Volunteer Spotlight
Lois Watson
20 Years of Service Award
Lois Watson began her volunteer career with Myakka River State Park along with her late husband Jim Watson back in 1998 as campground hosts. She has contributed 8,607 hours over more than 20 years of service and has fulfilled many volunteer job descriptions over the years, including campground host. She is also a member of the Friends of Myakka River, the park’s citizen support organization.
One of her jobs has involved volunteer coordination. She and her late husband were both involved volunteers and their duties have included all aspects of volunteer management such as coordinating the arrival and departure of resident volunteers, and issuing keys, radios and uniforms. The task involved scheduling more than 50 volunteers each week, handling conflict between volunteers and resolving complications such as cancellations and extensions, collecting and recording volunteer hours into two databases, managing all communications to the volunteer office, sorting and distributing park mail, ordering supplies, and coordinating training of all new and returning volunteers.
In recent years, Lois’ extensive experience at the park has been helpful in training new volunteers. Her long-term volunteerism has even helped new park staff learn the intricacies of their jobs.
2020 has brought many challenges and changes. Lois has embraced this change and has decided it is again time to retire - this time from her volunteer career. She is spending more time doing other things she loves (like pickleball) and enjoying Myakka River State Park as a visitor.
2020 Florida State Parks Volunteer Recognition Award Winner