There are many reasons why visitors come to Canaveral National Seashore. For some it is the solitude along the miles of undeveloped coastline. Anglers love the rich diversity whether from the bow of a flats boat cruising the Indian River Lagoon, or surf fishing from one of the many access points to the Atlantic Ocean.
When my husband and I relocated back to my hometown of NSB 10 years ago, Canaveral was one of our first destinations. It wasn't long before a day at the beach became an educational odyssey as a volunteer. There are so many wonderful opportunities to experience as a volunteer. I began in the Visitor Center but soon was pulling a seine net with students in environmental education programs. I wanted to learn more so my husband John, and I enrolled in the Coastal Systems master naturalist class at MDC. Soon I felt confident enough to share my historical & coastal knowledge with visitors on the weekly Canoe the Lagoon trips. There is no better way to view manatees, dolphins and birds than from a canoe or kayak.
My love for experiencing the Park's many wonders soon led me to volunteer with the sea turtle conservation program. Canaveral National Seashore is a critical habitat for nesting loggerhead, green and leatherback sea turtles.
Friends of Canaveral, Inc soon became an important part of our Park experience. The Friends group is the fundraising partner for the National Seashore. We are a 501(c)(3) all volunteer organization and participate in many programs that continue our mission to support the Park we all love and want to preserve & protect.
Our fundraising projects help us to partner with and sponsor other worthy efforts such as:
- Living Shoreline Restoration through University of Central Florida
- SHORE - Sharing Our Research With Everyone Through Marine Discovery Center & Daytona State College
- Summer Student Intern, Celia DeVoss in the Resource Management program
- A Day At the Beach for many underserved boys and girls from Volusia County
- Every Kid in the Park Initiative grant through National Park Service
- Run With The Ranger through Burn Science and Technology School
Friends of Canaveral volunteers also participate in coastal cleanups, support the Volunteer Appreciation picnic, sponsor a members Turtle Watch, decorate and host a Holiday Open House @ historic Eldora.
We all come to Canaveral for different reasons, for me it is the friendships, experiences, personal rewards, fun and camaraderie. We hope to see you at the Park.
Nancy Malmberg, President
Friends of Canaveral
For more information on volunteering with Friends of Canaveral, contact Nancy @ 602-882-5758. Visit our PHOTO GALLERY to view friends, fun and projects.
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