Volunteer Spotlight, Joan McSweeney
Joan McSweeney
Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park
Joan McSweeney has been a volunteer at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park since April 2018. She is originally from Long Island, New York, but has lived in Florida for the past 30 years. Joan and her husband moved to the area in search of respite from the hustle and bustle of big city life. They found just that, and something more, at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve. They immediately fell in love with its natural beauty and abundant wildlife, and they decided to become volunteers.
Joan originally started as a campground host but now assists the rangers with daily maintenance tasks. Always ready with a cheerful and positive attitude, Joan has no problem tackling any challenge that may arise. Joan is an integral member of the team and helps the park accomplish our many natural resource restoration goals. When she's not helping at the park, you will most often find her snapping photos of the local wildlife, especially the crested caracara.
Joan is an avid student and is passionate about learning about all the various plants and animals in the park. She uses this knowledge to help inform visitors about the invasive plant species that the staff combat at the park. She also loves being an unofficial recruiter for the Junior Rangers, informing any family with children about the exciting experiences they can have in the program.
If a visitor wants to know the latest updates of where the new fawns are, where the alligators are hanging out or how the campsites and trails are – ask volunteer ranger Joan.