The state park system relies on volunteers as an essential component to the operation of the park and the visitor experience.  This program is so essential that there is a specific position on the park staff to manage the 100 individuals who actively participate as volunteers annually. 

Our volunteers improve the visitor experience in all aspects of the park.  They perform tasks that include, among other things, habitat restoration, building maintenance and construction, environmental education, administrative duties, housekeeping, and community outreach.  Upon first entering the park, a volunteer often is the first to greet visitors, explain the park entrance fee and direct them toward a specific interest.  At the Visitor Center, another volunteer helps them understand the park and plan their visit in more depth. Volunteers roam the park to answer questions, help visitors find their way to specific sites and identify flora and fauna.  Many of our volunteers support our overnight guests as campground hosts.  Others spend hours in the hot sun helping with maintenance of the park habitat.  Volunteer jobs are varied and essential  to providing an exceptional park experience to our visitors.

The Friends of Myakka River provides significant support to the volunteer program at the park in many ways, including:

Interested in volunteering? Contact Michelle Keirsey, Park Service Specialist.