Impact Programs

Ranger Training

Calusa Waterkeeper Rangers are community volunteers interested in helping monitor and advocate for water quality issues in Southwest Florida.  Rangers act as citizen scientists in area waterways to conduct surveys and report observed conditions on local waters.  Rangers advocate for clean water and the overall health of our environment in southwest Florida.  Our Ranger team is comprised of dynamic volunteers with diverse backgrounds and expertise, who work together to monitor and improve the waters of our jurisdiction.

We hold basic training courses annually to educate new Rangers and are currently developing more advanced courses for existing Ranger graduates.  The Ranger Academy is a training program for volunteers interested in working with the Calusa Waterkeeper in SWFL.  The program is divided into four modules and participants must attend all sessions to graduate from the Ranger Academy.

Module 1: Orientation
Module 2: Pollution & Monitoring
Module 3: Advocacy
Module 4: Restoration

Our next session is planned for Fall 2025, with the details yet to be announced. If you are interested in pre-registering for our next Ranger Academy, please contact us today.

I’m Interested in Becoming a Ranger

Enrollment in the Ranger Academy Training is a $125 donation that helps to cover the cost of the educational program. Upon graduation all participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, an Annual Calusa Waterkeeper Membership and a CWK Ranger hat.

Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger Zones

  1. Lake Okeechobee
  2. Freshwater Caloosahatchee
  3. Tidal Caloosahatchee
  4. Matlacha Pass
  5. Pine Island Sound
  6. Charlotte Harbor
  7. Estero Bay

Typically our Tidal Caloosahatchee and Estero Bay groups are the zones with the most interest and manpower. We would love you have you volunteer for any zone you are most interested in!

Ranger Resources

Log Volunteer Hours