Background:

We need your help cleaning our Cypress Swamp Boardwalk! The Cypress Swamp at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is the largest remaining remnant of the once sprawling cypress habitat in Florida, and we are the northernmost part of the historic and beautiful Everglades. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to help clean up our Cypress Swamp Boardwalk! The boardwalk is the most popular trail on our Refuge. Visitors love walking under the towering Cypress Trees and feeling like they are stepping back in time. 

Purpose:

The Cypress Swamp Boardwalk is 0.4 miles long and is made up of pressure treated wood. To properly maintain the boardwalk, we would like volunteers to clean the gaps between the boards. Cleaning the gaps helps water and debris drain instead of accumulating on top of the boards and creating a slippery and dangerous surface. We want everyone of all ages and abilities to enjoy their time on the boardwalk. We need your help to create a beautiful and safe environment for people to connect with nature! 

Scope of Work:

Volunteers will be using tools to clear the gaps between boards on the Cypress Swamp Boardwalk, a 0.4 mile shaded boardwalk. Tools will various items that can fit between the boards such as paint stirrers, metal rulers, screwdrivers, etc. Volunteers will be split up into small groups that will be assigned a specific section to work in. Volunteers should expect to work approximately 2.5 hours, while taking breaks as needed. Volunteers may be stooping, bending, kneeling, or squatting on the boardwalk. Mosquitoes and other stinging or biting insects may be present. Bug spray will be provided. All volunteers should wear gloves (provided), closed toe shoes, and comfortable clothing for working outdoors. Volunteers should consider bringing a reuseable water bottle. The Boardwalk is immediately behind the visitor center where students can take breaks, refill their water bottles or use a water fountain, and use the indoor bathrooms. Outdoor bathrooms are immediately by the "exit" side of the boardwalk loop.

How to Apply:

Please contact volunteer coordinator Maria Quitugua at maria_quitugua@fws.gov. In your email, please describe:

• Number of volunteers in your group
• Has anyone in your group has volunteered at the Refuge before
• Have you visited the Refuge before
• Are any volunteers in your group are under 18 years old
• Name of your organization (if applicable)