Volunteer Spotlights

Department: Environmental Management

How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? Over 4 years.

How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I heard about the program through a family friend. I started getting into photography at the time and wanted to be more involved in my community. I started helping by working on social media. Since then and 400+ hours later, I have gotten to work on water sampling, photographing numerous events and wildlife, helping gather materials for the new Water Atlas website, storm drain marking, as well as helping with the construction of the Ozona seawall.

What motivates you to give back to the community? I believe that supporting our community is not only an important thing to do, but a necessary activity to create healthy connections. I think that by helping others, I am also able to help myself by gaining experience and skills. The feeling that you get when learning something new, completing a project, or even lending a hand to someone motivates me, as well.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? My favorite part about volunteering with the County is that you really feel welcomed when you are there. I am diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum and know that for a lot of people feeling welcomed and having the right accommodations can be a challenge. The County works with you individually and continually aims to better their programs to promote an inclusive workplace.

Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: My favorite memory has to be in 2019 when I had the opportunity to shadow a Pinellas County worker visiting an active project site for the Lake Seminole project. It was fascinating to get an on-the-ground view into how complex and large-scale this operation is. The number of people and departments involved, to ensuring that locals in the community have the opportunity to give feedback, shows how involved the County is when it comes to helping preserve our local estuaries and bodies of water.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? I would say that it is a great option for those who are looking to increase their knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and network with leaders in your community.

Department: Environmental Management

How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? Nearly 1 year.

How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I heard about an internship opportunity with Environmental Management from another County employee who had worked with Julie Sims in the past.

What motivates you to give back to the community? Gaining experience and connections in the environmental field while also enjoying the work I have the fortunate chance to do.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? In the past when I had better availability, it seemed like every time I came in there was something entirely different to work on. Now, while I only work with macros (which I love), it still seems fresh with cool new inverts to see under the scope.

Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: Getting audited for water sampling with Mark and Ali and being able to be a second on land runs.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? I would highly recommend it, as the wide variety of experiences that the County has provided to me have been invaluable in helping me learn more about the environmental field and what kind of work I would like to do when I graduate.

Department: Parks & Conservation Resources, Florida Botanical Gardens

How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? 17 months, 553.3 hours to date.

How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I visited the Pinellas County website and spoke personally with the Pinellas County Volunteer Coordinator and the Guest Experience Manager at the Florida Botanical Gardens.

What motivates you to give back to the community? Preserving our valuable natural habitat for all to enjoy is key to a better quality of life. I want to offer my extensive business background to support the preservation of our natural resources and expand the use of our beautiful County park system with programs that support education and conservation.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? Helping guests enjoy their experience and elevate their appreciation for why conservation is so important.

Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: An 8-year-old girl came to my welcome desk so excited because she wanted to show me a butterfly larvae that was on her hand. She wanted to “teach me” about the life of a butterfly!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? It is a very rewarding way to spend a day or a couple of hours that will enrich your life!

Department: Parks & Conservation Resources, Brooker Creek Preserve

How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? Since July of 2015.

How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? Shortly after moving to Pinellas County, I started attending classes and going on hikes at Brooker Creek Preserve. I was really impressed by the knowledgeable and enthusiastic staff members and volunteers. A Brooker volunteer who was in my YMCA yoga class encouraged me to become a volunteer.

What motivates you to give back to the community? We are fortunate to have this large wilderness area in our densely populated County. I’m proud to play a role in the efforts to showcase and protect the preserve.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? My favorite part is interacting with visitors of all ages. I enjoy meeting people who come from different states and countries. I also enjoy chatting with the locals who are repeat visitors.

Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: One of my encounters with a family in the Education Center is quite memorable. They told me that a loved one had recently died, and that the preserve was one of their favorite places. They said it was comforting to walk the trails and view the Education Center exhibits, which touched my heart.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? I would tell prospective Pinellas County volunteers that volunteering is fun, educational, and very fulfilling!

Department: Parks & Conservation Resources, Brooker Creek Preserve

How long have you been a volunteer with Pinellas County? 14 years

How did you get started volunteering with Pinellas County? I attended a guided hike at Brooker Creek Preserve and immediately wanted to join the team and become a volunteer.

What motivates you to give back to the community? We’ve been given this beautiful world and it’s up to all of us to take care of it and pass it on the best we can!

What is your favorite part about volunteering with Pinellas County? Helping and inspiring young people to appreciate and take care of the natural resources we have.

Most memorable moment while volunteering with Pinellas County: Seeing the excitement in children when they discover something new about their world.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County? Do it, do it, do it!