Stephen Ruffin, Park Ranger
Becoming a park ranger is a second career for Stephen.
He was born in California and later moved to Baton Rouge where he discovered a great love for the outdoors and nature. Stephen graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in forestry and pursued a career in business. Always longing to be a park ranger, he moved to the Forgotten Coast area in 2020 and began volunteering at William J. "Billy Joe" Rish Recreation Area. There, he was known as always being eager to help people and show his love for the outdoors.
Throughout the years, Stephen has found great peace in being in nature. He has great respect for the ecological interdependence demonstrated through daily occurrences in nature; every animal and every plant has a purpose and a place.
Stephen became a full-time park ranger at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park in 2022. Being a ranger is Stephen's way of being a steward of the land. He feels a sense of service toward park guests, and he loves knowing that he's made a positive impact on the land, sea and wildlife of the park. Stephen utilizes his extensive knowledge of the landscape and his leadership skills to run interpretive programs at the park.
In April 2023, Stephen transferred to John Gorrie Museum State Park in Apalachicola.
"I connect with this museum and I think somehow I'm meant to be here,” Stephen said. "I love meeting guests and being an ambassador for the state. I love using my interpretive skills at the museum and love it even more when someone tells me it has been the highlight of their trip to the Forgotten Coast of Florida.”
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