What we're about
CFL RECON is the proud recipient of the 2022 Citizen Conservation Award from The Wildlife Society, FL Chapter! We are humbled to be recognized alongside such esteemed environmental advocates like Florida Audubon and Dr. Tom Hoctor. CFL RECON would not have made it this far without the support of our members who take time out of their weekends to help restore the environment. We would also like to thank our supporters who graciously contribute cleanup supplies and equipment to our cause.
We are a group of friends and concerned citizens protecting Central Florida's surface waters and natural environment by removing trash and debris from lakes, rivers and streams. We work for the betterment of Central Florida's lakes and rivers so that the animals that live here will have fewer dangers in the forms of plastic and foam debris that we gather from the waterways and shorelines. All those who enjoy canoeing and kayaking and would have a couple hours a week to give are welcome!
The RECON fleet is growing and we currently have 9 kayaks available to use for our events. We also provide use of our litter removal equipment such as grabbers, gloves and bags for each of our clean-ups. Our outings are weekly and alternate between Saturday and Sunday mornings. During the fall and winter months, our cleanups start at 10am. Spring and summer cleanups start at 9am and we usually take some time off during the hottest months. The events usually last for about 2-3 hours including on-loading and off-loading of the kayaks.
Although we have kayaks available to use, feel free to bring your own canoe, kayak or paddle board! At most of our cleanup locations, shoreline volunteers are also welcome if you feel the urge to walk instead of being on the water.
Our group has worked in cooperation with other similarly guided organizations like the St. Johns Riverkeepers, Save the Manatee Club, Surfrider Foundation and countless neighborhood groups and HOAs dedicated to the betterment of the environment. Recently, some of our members took part in a successful initiative in Orlando to prohibit the use of styrofoam (No Foam Zone). If you are a part of an environmentalist organization or know of a waterway that needs a good cleanup, please reach out to us!
Upcoming events (1)
Join us for the 2023 Earth Day Cleanup as we show some love to the longest river in the state of Florida, the St. John’s River. Central Florida Recon will be hosting a cleanup in Orange County, Florida, while other groups will be hosting cleanups in Brevard County, Volusia County and Seminole County. We will be joined by our friends from Nautique Boat Company.
PLEASE READ:
The site where we will meet is owned by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) and does not have a street address. The name of the site is Seminole Ranch Conservation Area and there is a sign at the entrance to the property. The ground is uneven, you will need to wear sturdy shoes for this cleanup.
Because this property does not have a street address, the address provided will bring you to the Orange County boat ramp across the street and to the east of the SJRWMD Seminole Ranch Conservation Area. This property is very close to the Orange County and Brevard County line.
You will be asked to sign a participation waiver at the beginning of the event.
🐊These waters are home to gators! No paddleboards. There is plenty of space to walk on foot to pick up trash and we will have a supply of trash grabbers and buckets to share, feel free to bring your own bucket and grabber with you.
The event is scheduled for two hours and at the end we will combine all our trash, weigh it and take a group photo.
If rain or heavy wind is in the forecast for the day of the cleanup, please check on Friday night for event updates.
Please bring a hat 👒 sunglasses 🕶 sunscreen, water to keep hydrated and a friend. See you at the river 💦
- Frank W.
- Jeff H.
- Aybabay T.
- 9 attendees
Past events (132)
- Aimee
- Aybabay T.
- Frank W.
- 12 attendees
