Ocala National Forest Alliance (ONFA) -- Annual FALL 2025 Volunteer Training --

To sign-up or for more information, click on the link below:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080E49ABAE28A57-58478513-ocala

The Ocala National Forest Alliance (ONFA) seeks outgoing volunteers with strong people skills to work with other volunteers, Forest Service staff, and serving the public. Join us to help patrol trails, engage with forest visitors in manatee protection, and maintain hiking trails and recreational sites by participating in one of the opportunities below:

Manatee Education Docent (Saturday and Sundays) - Silver Glen Springs: Help visitors learn how to recreate responsibly with manatees. This is a fantastic opportunity to help protect these gentle giants and contribute to manatee research and conservation.

Weekend Forest Patrol Volunteers (focus on what you like to do most for the first year):

• 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
• Ride your horse along the 100+ miles of equestrian trails

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

Hiking Trail Crew and Recreation Maintenance Crew: Improve hiking trails and recreation facilities in the forest. These teams will engage in forest beautification projects, trash clean-up, non-invasive planting, light handy-person projects, etc.

REQUIREMENTS

• New Volunteer Training: Attend BOTH Saturday Forest Service orientation/safety trainings on Saturday, October 18th and November 8th
• Volunteer Commitment: Serve at least two days a month from November - April
• 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 camping, hiking equipment, kayak, and personal safety gear, or equestrian, and purchase your own volunteer uniform (about $40-$70).
• Minors: Ages 16-17 (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 nor the United States Forest Service offers 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!

Location
Forest Community center
777 S Hwy 314 A
Ocklawaha, FL 32179