Ray Franklin, Park Ranger
Growing up in the small town of Wareham, Massachusetts, Ray Franklin spent most of his time fishing and gardening. Anything which gave Ray the opportunity to work and play outdoors. Ray eventually moved to Florida in the late 1980s, working as a maintenance man for several companies.
In 1997, he joined the team at Weeki Wachee Springs in the maintenance department. He immediately fell in the love with the park, and the natural environment which surrounded him.
Ray focuses much of his attention to resource management and landscaping, although he is called upon for his expertise in repairs and maintenance. “I love being outside and working around plants,” said Ray. “I love it when guests stop me and ask me why I’m removing invasive plants and need help identifying native species. I really makes my day when I know I have helped educate our visitors on the goals we have set at the park.”
Ray’s enthusiasm shows in the work that he does. He embraces every opportunity to help out not only park visitors, but staff as well in completing projects.
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