Teaming Up to Keep Winter Park Beautiful: Our Latest Cleanup Success
All the wonderful volunteers that helped clean Dog Island!
This past Saturday, Otter Paddle Orlando partnered once again with the Winter Park Natural Resources & Sustainability Department for another rewarding cleanup on Dog Island, part of the scenic Winter Park Chain of Lakes. These waterways are a cherished part of our community, and with your help, we pulled an impressive 50 pounds of trash from their shores!
Volunteers paddleboarding on Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes, actively collecting trash as part of Otter Paddle Orlando and the Winter Park Natural Resources & Sustainability Department's cleanup event.
A Partnership for Change
Our collaboration with the Winter Park Natural Resources & Sustainability Department is one we’re incredibly proud of. Over the years, we’ve worked together on several cleanups, all with the shared goal of preserving the natural beauty of our local lakes. Dog Island, in particular, is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and it's essential that we keep it clean and free of litter to protect its vibrant ecosystem.
This recent cleanup was no exception. From early in the morning, our volunteers paddled out to the island with a mission to make a tangible difference—and they certainly did! Every piece of trash collected, whether it was plastic debris, abandoned fishing line, or other harmful waste, contributes to a healthier environment for the wildlife and plant species that call these lakes home.
Volunteers gather for a briefing before heading out to clean up Dog Island.
A Community Effort
What makes these cleanups truly special is the community spirit. Seeing volunteers from all walks of life come together for a common cause is both inspiring and motivating. It reminds us that even small efforts, when combined, have a big impact. Together, we collected 50 pounds of trash—an incredible accomplishment that showcases the power of teamwork.
We couldn’t have done it without the help of our volunteers, and we are so grateful for everyone who came out to support this event. Your dedication and hard work are what keep our waterways beautiful and thriving. And while the results of each cleanup are immediately visible, the long-term effects on our environment are even more profound.
Volunteers paddle toward Dog Island, ready to kick off the cleanup effort on Winter Park's Chain of Lakes.
Why Cleanups Matter
So, why do we keep coming back to these cleanups? Because protecting our waterways is vital to the health of our community and the planet. Trash left behind can have devastating effects on local wildlife, polluting the water and harming the creatures that depend on it. By removing this waste, we help create a safer and cleaner environment for all. Plus, clean and beautiful lakes enhance the quality of life for everyone who enjoys them.
Every time we step up to remove debris, we prevent it from breaking down into microplastics or entering larger water systems, where it becomes even more harmful. Cleanups like these are a proactive step in protecting our environment—and it’s something we can all feel good about.
Volunteers in action at the Winter Park cleanup event on Dog Island.
Join Us for the Next Cleanup
If you missed this cleanup, don’t worry—there will be more opportunities to get involved! Keep an eye on our website and social media for updates about future events, and feel free to join us as we continue our mission to preserve and protect the Winter Park Chain of Lakes.
Thank you again to everyone who participated, and a special shoutout to the Winter Park Natural Resources & Sustainability Department for their continued partnership. Together, we’re making a difference—one paddle at a time!
Another great shot of our dedicated volunteers from the Winter Park cleanup event on Dog Island!
