Ocala National Forest Alliance

The Ocala National Forest Alliance(ONFA) is seeking outgoing individuals who like being outdoors and serving the public. Come join us and help the trails and recreational sites you love by getting involved in one of the opportunities below:

Field Forest Rangers – Backpack overnight or day hike in the Juniper Prairie Wilderness or along the 88+ miles of the Florida Scenic Trail, kayak down the Juniper Run, mountain bike along the Paisley bike trail, or ride you horse along the 100+ miles of trails, or patrol forest roads to assist visitors, protect the forest, and perform minor trail and camp maintenance.

Forest Information Volunteers: staffing our mobile ranger stations and local community events by engaging and educating visitors about the Ocala National Forest.

Recreation Maintenance Crew: Improve recreation facilities in the forest.

REQUIREMENTS

• Volunteer Training: Attend BOTH Saturday Forest Service orientation/safety trainings on Saturday, October 19th and November 2nd (next year 2025 -training will be once a year in October)
• Volunteer Commitment: Serve at least two days a month from June through September (reduced volunteer season: vehicle patrol ranger, kayak/river ranger, and/or Mobile Ranger Station / Forest Information Volunteer) or November thru May (main volunteer season: all specialties are available)
• First Aid/CPR: Obtain your own current basic first aid/CPR card or certificate, or have other equal or greater training (e.g., RN or paramedic certification).
• Physical / Mental Requirements: Be able to physically and mentally perform the type of service chosen, all of which require good people skills to work with other volunteers, Forest Service personnel, and the public.
• Mobile Ranger Station: Be willing to work at one of the mobile ranger stations as assigned up to four days each volunteer season if your primary activity is other than mobile ranger station work.
• Experience: Be experienced in day hiking, backpacking, kayaking, mountain biking, or horseback riding on forest trails if you choose a service requiring such.
• Equipment: Have your own equestrian, camping, and hiking equipment, and purchase your own volunteer uniform (about $40-$70).
• Minors: Ages 12-17 (with a parent or guardian).

LOCATIONS
In and around the Ocala National Forest and Juniper Prairie Wilderness. The Ocala National Forest is located approximately 18 miles east of Ocala, 70 miles south of Jacksonville, and 77 miles north of Orlando.

The Volunteer Program is best suited to local Florida residents as neither the Ocala National Forest Alliance or the United States Forest Service offer room and board or stipends for volunteers in the program. Additionally, volunteers will need transportation to commute between their residence and the place of volunteer duty.

REWARDS

• Training and experience in forest skills
• Serving with other volunteers and Forest Service personnel
• Satisfaction in performing a much-needed service
• Protecting the place, you love
• A wonderful way to “pay back” the forest for the pleasure you receive from it
• Working, but also having fun in a beautiful setting!

The Ocala National Forest has created a Manatee Education Volunteer Program to assist visitors on how to responsibly recreate with manatees. This is a fantastic opportunity to help protect these gentle giants and give back. We will have an additional training on Saturday, January 11, 2025 (10AM - 12PM)

Seeking both land and water (kayak) volunteers for both Salt Springs and Silver Glenn Springs from December - March.

This event is sponsored by the USFS Ocala National Forest - Lake George District and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.

Location: Salt Springs VFW Post #10208

Time: 10AM - 12PM: Registration starts at 9:30AM

What to bring: Notepad, pen, and comfortable walking shoes (we may go to Salt Springs if the manatees are present)

Note: Teens between the age of 12 - 17 can volunteer with a parent or guardian

If you have any questions, you can contact: ONFA.MarkV@gmail.com

The Ocala National Forest has created a Manatee Education Volunteer Program to assist visitors on how to responsibly recreate with manatees. This is a fantastic opportunity to help protect these gentle giants and give back.

Seeking both land and water (kayak) volunteers for both Salt Springs and Silver Glenn Springs from December - March.

This event is sponsored by the USFS Ocala National Forest - Lake George District and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute.

Location: Forest Community Center at Sand Hill Park (near HWY 40 and S HWY 314A - behind the Winn- Dixie

Time: 10AM - 12PM: Registration starts at 9:30AM

What to bring: Notepad, pen, and comfortable walking shoes (we may go to Salt Springs if the manatees are present)

Note: Teens between the age of 12 - 17 can volunteer with a parent or guardian

If you have any questions, you can contact: ONFA.MarkV@gmail.com