Osceola forest needs volunteers

The Osceola National Forest is seeking volunteers to fill several positions.

“It’s necessary to fill these vacancies prior to the upcoming peak summer months,” said Debra Stucki, Recreation and Volunteers Manager.  “This a great opportunity for volunteers to serve on national forest lands, enhance their skills and build an appreciation for the forest’s natural and cultural resources.”

Vacancies that need to be filled immediately by volunteers are the following:

Ocean Pond Campground Camp Host:  volunteer camp hosts greet visitors and conduct general maintenance and beautification of the campground site to include opening and closing the gate house, mowing the grounds, sweeping fire rings and other responsibilities as required.

Olustee Beach Day-Use Area:  volunteers are needed to greet customers at the visitor center, mowing the grounds and assisting with other duties requiring general maintenance and beautification.

Maintenance Assistant:  volunteers are needed to assist in maintaining facilities and upkeep of amenities.

Volunteers of all ages can apply for the above positions.  Individuals under 18 years old may volunteer with signed permission from a parent or guardian.

Additionally, the Osceola National Forest is taking applications for an AmeriCorps member to serve as Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator.  The member will conduct service projects that include:  assisting with volunteer program administration; providing interpretation and environmental education programs for local communities; building an understanding of the forest’s natural and cultural resources; and serving as a Forest Service ambassador to visitors.  Candidates must complete 900 hours of service over six months and will receive a small monthly stipend.

The Osceola National Forest, at 299,185 acres, is within short driving distance from Jacksonville, Gainesville and Tallahassee.  Outdoor recreational activities are centered on Ocean Pond, a 1,760-acre natural lake that includes campgrounds, beaches, hiking, fishing, boating and OHV and equestrian trails.  Other attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail, Olustee Battlefield State Park and the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.

For more information on volunteering, contact Debra Stucki at 386- 752-2577 or e-mail at dstucki02@fs.fed.us.  Interested applicants can also go to www.volunteer.gov/gov to fill out an application.  For information on the AmeriCorps program, contact Katie LaJeunesse 850- 523-8585 or e-mail at klajeunesse@fs.fed.us.