The Nature Conservancy in Florida - Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break – Northwest Florida

spring break volunteers at the Garden of Eden Trail

Texas A & M University and Eastern Illinois University students on guided tour of preserve.
© Marilyn Lovell

Each year in March The Nature Conservancy hosts Alternative Spring Break. Participating students work on projects at the Conservancy's Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve. Students work closely with preserve staff to learn about management and restoration efforts at this unique conservation area.

Our Alternative Spring Break Program History
Since 1992 we have hosted Alternative Spring Break groups from 22 universities. Preserve staff work side by side with students and provide an excellent opportunity for one-on-one learning. Our program was awarded "Host Site of the Year" award for 1998/1999 by Break Away.

Reservations and Trip Planning

Eastern Illinois students working at the native plant nursery.

Students from Eastern Illinois University finish a day
working in the native plant nursery.
© Marilyn Lovell

We can accommodate two groups in March 2008. Each group should have no fewer than 10 and no more than 12 students. Preference is given to Break Away chapter programs. There is a $200 non-refundable fee to help cover project materials that will reserve your space and confirm your participation. Once your fee is received, we will send a packet of information to assist you with trip planning and provide background on our environmental issues.

Work Schedule and Projects
Work projects will depend on the weather, what has been accomplished to date, and new priorities that may arise. Potential projects are habitat restoration (seeding native grass nursery, planting native pine trees, controlling non-native invasive species and maintaining fire breaks) and protecting rare species (rare species surveys, managing visitor impacts by maintaining trails).

What to Bring

Download a list of what to bring for camping, meals and workdays.
Students must also complete a volunteer release form.

Rainy Day Work Projects
On rainy days, students will set up a makeshift nursery and sow seeds under shelter of our garage.

Leisure Time
Students have free time on the weekends and in the evenings during the service week for recreation or quiet reflection. We try to schedule one or two evening activities for students to interact with the community. Friday evening we celebrate our accomplishments with a catered dinner. Weekends are a good time to visit the beach, which is 1.5 hours away.

Housing
If you like sleeping under the stars and campfires in the evening, you'll enjoy camping on the preserve. Students bring their own tents and sleeping bags. Rustic facilities with hot water for bathing, cooking and laundry provided.

Alcohol Policy
Many students participating in alternative spring break are under 21, the legal drinking age in Florida. To abide by the law and the founding spirit of "alternative" spring break, we ask that students not consume alcohol during their time with us.

For more information, contact:

JMU students working in native plant nursery.

Maggie McDaniel
Program Assistant
The Nature Conservancy
10394 N.W. Longleaf Drive
Bristol, FL 32321
(850) 643-2756, ext. 201
mmcdaniel@tnc.org

Schools that are Break Away chapter members may see our listing in the Site Bank Catalog at www.alternativebreaks.org.