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Most people visit Koreshan State Park to walk the trails, paddle the Estero River, or explore its fascinating historic settlement. But behind the scenes, a dedicated group of volunteers helps keep the park’s history alive—and many say the experience becomes one of the most rewarding communities they’ve found in Estero.

Located along the scenic Estero River, Koreshan State Park preserves the historic settlement of the Koreshan Unity, a utopian community that made Estero its home in the late 1800s. Today, the park’s historic buildings, shaded trails, and riverfront setting make it one of the most distinctive places in our village—offering visitors a rare chance to experience both Florida nature and local history in one place.

For many people, volunteering at Koreshan becomes more than simply giving their time—it becomes a way to connect with local history and with each other.

The park offers opportunities for both local volunteers and seasonal residents. Individual volunteers can assist in a variety of roles, from welcoming visitors and helping with office work to supporting maintenance and preservation of the historic grounds. There is no minimum weekly commitment, and park staff work with volunteers to find roles that match their interests and schedules.

Koreshan also hosts a resident volunteer program for seasonal visitors traveling with campers. These volunteers may stay in the park’s volunteer village for up to 16 weeks in exchange for about 24 hours of volunteer service each week. Most shifts are six hours, and couples can often share the hours depending on available roles. Because of the program’s popularity, winter season spots—from December through March—often fill nearly a year in advance.

Volunteering also comes with a built-in community. The park has an active volunteer group that gathers for social activities outside their volunteer time, including happy hours, outings, and even hockey games during the winter season.

Koreshan State Park welcomes volunteers with a wide range of interests and talents. Musicians, singers, and performers are especially encouraged to participate, continuing the cultural traditions of the original Koreshan community. Those with hands-on skills—such as sewing, woodworking, machinery work, or gardening—can help demonstrate historic crafts and assist with preservation efforts. The park also welcomes volunteers with experience in administrative work, marketing, web design, event planning, mechanics, machinists, and groundskeeping.

Volunteering also comes with a few perks. Volunteers receive complimentary access to many park programs and events while active. Volunteers who contribute 50 hours in a year earn free entry to Florida State Parks, and those who reach 250 hours receive a Florida State Parks annual pass.

In a fast-growing community like Estero, places like Koreshan State Park remind us of the area’s unique history and sense of place. Volunteers help ensure that both longtime residents and newcomers can continue to experience and appreciate this special part of our community.

Those interested in volunteering can explore opportunities at:
https://volunteers.floridastateparks.org/

For questions about volunteering at Koreshan State Park, contact:
Jennifer Grow
jennifer.grow@floridadep.gov