Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park - Project A.N.T.

Start after 2/4/2025 end 12/31/2025

The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps Program is administered by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). AmeriCorps is a national service organization supporting the enrollment of individuals to provide direct service to communities in need.

Project A.N.T. members serve in pairs (or more) at a designated “host” state park (opportunity to work in other parks as well throughout the term) and focus on habitat restoration by managing invasive plants in some of the most pristine real Florida environments. Members reduce invasive plant infestations through various land management techniques including but not limited to herbicide use/manual removal, recruiting volunteers & educating park visitors, and conducting outreach at schools and events, etc.

A.N.T. members use the following methods to manage invasive plants in their host park:

• Survey and identify non-native invasive plant infestations
• Research, discuss, & prepare a plan for proper herbicide type/techniques with park/district biologist
• Actively treat non-native invasive plants (coordinate strike team with other A.N.T.s)
• Keep records/analyze data of treated/to be treated areas
• Retreat as necessary following the herbicide label

These members may recruit volunteers to assist in invasive plant management, work with Project R.O.A.R. to conduct outreach, and interpret the A.N.T.’s focus in parks, events, schools, and other approved venues.

Benefits of Joining the FLCC Program:

• Natural Resource Skills (plant identification, herbicide application, prescribed fire training)
• Professional Development (intro to federal & state guidelines, conflict resolution, coordinate/participate in large scale projects)
• Community Outreach (Flyer/graphic design, volunteer recruitment, outreach events, FLCC promotion)

Trainings Available in/off site: Interpretation, Leadership, Disaster Response, CPR/First Aid/AED, Effective Communication, Resume/Cover Letter Workshop, and various Park Specific trainings.

Monetary benefits:

• Loan deferment
• Childcare Assistance through AmeriCorps
• Full Term (Feb - Dec) Members receive a $7,395.00 Education award at the completion of service
• Half - Term (July - Dec) Members receive a $3,697.50 Education award at the completion of service
• Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00 for both half-term and full-term members
• Free health insurance through FLCC Program
• Access to Member Assistance Program
• Free access to Florida State Parks

Requirements:

• Must be able to complete an FBI/FDLE background check (free of charge) before the start date
• Must be able to attend 1 week orientation in March
• Must commit to full 1,700 hours of service over the 11-month period (Feb - Dec) [(if applying in May – must commit to the full 900 hours of service over the 6-month period (July – Dec)]
• Must be 17 years of age with a parent’s note stating they can serve in the program
• Must have obtained at least a high school diploma, equivalent, or be actively working toward one.
• Must have a valid driver’s license
• Must be able to tolerate extreme and adverse environmental conditions of Florida
• Must understand that this is not employment, but national service through an AmeriCorps program
• Must have a positive attitude and be flexible
• Must be able to work in the Florida environment for long days during the 11-month program

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve is the largest contiguous grassland east of the Mississippi River (~58,000 acres) and is home to over 30 listed species, including the Florida grasshopper sparrow.  The state park is Florida’s first international dark sky place and provides recreational activities including camping, hiking, biking, fishing, astronomy, and wildlife-viewing. For more information about the Preserve, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/kissimmee-prairie-preserve-state-park

FLCC Members are our most prized assets of the Kissimmee Prairie team. Invasive plant infestations are a threat to our endangered, endemic ecosystem and all the species that are found within. Members traverse the preserve on UTV, swamp buggy or 4WD vehicles to survey and treat exotic plant infestations. Further, members assist in volunteer recruitment and community outreach. Our members will become trained in plant identification, herbicide application, ATV and swamp buggy operation, and wildland firefighting. Members also may assist with Florida grasshopper sparrow work.

The preserve is very remote with the closest grocery store being 45 minutes away. Shared housing is provided.