Volunteer Karen Cloud
2021 Adult Volunteer of the Year Award for Visitor Services
Karen has made a huge impact at Dade Battlefield Historic State Park and in the surrounding community. With a background in teaching and more than 4,000 volunteer hours under her belt since 2013, Karen has become a conduit of community connection.
She frequented the park growing up and took her students to the park to experience nature and learn about the rich history of the site.
Now, Karen volunteers much of her time to the local Dade’s Youth volunteer group consisting of 45 high-school students. Karen leads this group in numerous volunteer ventures at Dade Battlefield, including dressing in period clothing to assist at reenactment days, joining the Adopt-A-Highway Program and regularly cleaning the roads around the park.
She consistently sets up booths at events and festivals in the park.
Most recently, Karen played a major role in organizing and facilitating a two-day Haunted Event that brought over 1,200 visitors to the park, surpassed in attendance only by the annual battle reenactment. More than 52 vendors participated along with craft vendors. There were puppet shows and Halloween trails for all ages.
The event proceeds benefited the Dade’s Youth volunteer group, Scouts and the park’s citizen support organization. Karen’s steadfast dedication to the park has created a resilient connection to the community and lasting appreciation for natural resources.
Congratulations to Karen on her award. Her volunteer efforts are appreciated.
2021 Florida State Parks Volunteer Recognition Winner
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