Volunteering at Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve (MLAP) is centered around the Island Enhancement Program (IEP). The IEP includes four components.

• Volunteer island enhancement workdays.
• Eagle Scout projects.
• Adopt-A-Spoil Island Projects.
• Colonial water bird monitoring and management.

In MLAP, the IEP coordinates with the Volusia County Natural Resources staff and the Marine Discovery Center at New Smyrna Beach. Partnerships will also be sought with various non-profit groups such as the Keep Volusia Beautiful program.

Volunteer Island Enhancement Workdays

Seven workdays per "enhancement season" are coordinated by staff during the fall and winter months, one of which coincides with the International Annual Coastal Cleanup. A variety of activities may take place during a typical enhancement workday: non-native vegetation removal, native vegetation plantings, shoreline restoration and stabilization, trash cleanup and construction and maintenance of public facilities (grills, picnic tables and docks).

Eagle Scout Program

The Spoil Island Program provides an ideal opportunity for Boy Scouts to take a leading role in the enhancement of the spoil islands, helping them to meet the requirements for the Eagle Scout rank.

Adopt-A-Spoil Island Program

This program provides groups in the community the opportunity to initiate scheduled maintenance of one or more adopted islands. Maintenance consists of removing debris and litter four times a year and may include habitat restoration projects or public access improvements. One cleanup date coincides with the annual International Annual Coastal Cleanup held each September.

Colonial Water Bird Monitoring and Management

The staff, in partnership with the East Volusia Mosquito Control District and Florida Audubon, is coordinating an annual aerial survey to identify and monitor existing waterbird nesting and roosting colonies. Volunteers are needed to regularly inspect islands and replace educational signage informing recreational users they are on or near a large active nesting colony island.

For more information, please call (321) 953-5008 or e-mail Marc.Virgilio@dep.state.fl.us