Pine Island Preserve Volunteer Event and Picnic

We need volunteer help on Pine Island!

NOTE: Due to the unpredictable nature of waiting for seeds to ripen, we are not yet sure which of two activities we will be doing nor which address we will be meeting at. Please sign up if you are interested, and we will confirm the address and activity a few days before the event.

Activity A: This fall we will be harvesting longleaf pine cones from a couple different sites on Pine Island, which is home to the southernmost population of longleaf pines. The seeds we harvest will be used to help with longleaf reforestation efforts in southwest Florida. We are hoping to harvest them at this volunteer event, on September 20th, however if the pinecones aren't mature yet, we will pivot to Activity B.

Activity B: If the pine cones are not ripe yet, we will do some site maintenance work at Pine Island Preserve at Matlacha Pass. We will most likely be triming branches (crown raising) to prepare young pine trees for prescribed fire; other potential activities include picking up litter, pulling weeds, or planting native plants.

Interested volunteers should be capable of working outdoors on uneven terrain for the duration of the visit. Afterward, we will grill hotdogs (beef and veggie) for a potluck picnic lunch on the land.

About Volunteer Events & Picnics:

Volunteers should dress for outdoor work and are required to wear closed-toe shoes. Pants are required for this location. Volunteers should bring water and personal supplies for themselves. Typically, only primitive bathrooms are available (the woods).

Big Waters staff will join you for all work, to provide instruction and support. Staff will supply all necessary tools, including gloves.

The event runs 9:00-11:30, after which we will share a potluck picnic (11:30-12:30). Staff will grill hot dogs (beef and veggie) and supply buns, condiments, cutlery, plates, and napkins. Volunteers are invited to bring a dish to share with the group (it’s a potluck); however, it’s not required to bring food, or attend the picnic – all are encouraged to join at any level.

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