Staff Spotlight, Mary Russell

Mary Russell, Administrative Assistant 

When you find your perfect job, you never work another day in your life. This is how Mary feels about her role at Camp Helen State Park.

Mary grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and at a young age she was drawn to the outdoors and being a steward of the environment. She enjoyed her subscription to the Ranger Rick magazine, started an ecology club in her neighborhood and dreamed of becoming an ecologist.

After receiving degrees in biology and environmental studies, Mary had a successful 30-year career in the field of environmental health and safety. She moved to Florida in 1993 to marry the man of her dreams and has enjoyed learning about the flora and fauna of the Sunshine State ever since. After retiring in 2017, she began volunteering at the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center teaching students about the longleaf pine ecosystem and conservation, and working on various projects at Topsail Hill State Park.

Four years ago, Mary started her second career in the administrative support position at Camp Helen State Park. Mary spends most of her time in the visitor center handling financial aspects for the park, greeting visitors and explaining the history of the park.

She enjoys developing unique methods to get children engaged and curious about the environment. She created Trail BINGO and Easter egg hunt cards to teach the young aspiring rangers about Florida and the history of Camp Helen State Park. When not in the visitor center, Mary can be found in the park landscaping, weed eating, mowing, removing invasive vines and grasses, and picking up trash.

Her favorite thing about the park is the peaceful feeling of being at one with nature, including the glass-like coastal dune lake and beautiful sunsets. Fall is her favorite time of year at the park. The days are starting to cool, butterflies and birds are on their migratory flights, and the locals are back in the park walking their dogs. It’s also time for the pumpkin patch. It's a spectacular sight to see.

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