Mike Emmerich
Volunteer Mike was born in Minneapolis, Minn., and moved to Florida with his family when he was nine years old. When he was a kid, his family went camping every weekend at Florida's state parks. When he was older, he saw a “Trailblazers Wanted” ad in the newspaper and jumped at the opportunity to be involved. He has always had a love of the outdoors.
Mike has been associated with Florida's state parks for the past 21 years. He started as a volunteer, became a seasonal ranger and then a full-time ranger until he retired. Mike has more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service with Florida’s state parks.
Mike enjoys volunteering at Werner-Boyce because each day brings different jobs and a different way to do the job, whether it's by airboat, tractor, mower, truck or by foot. You can find Mike out in the park mowing, securing boundary lines, working on fence lines and fire lines, trail maintenance and prescribed fire. When given the opportunity, Mike will participate in interpretive programs, guided hikes and cleanup events.
Mike’s favorite activities are participating in prescribed fire and wildfire suppression. It is an adrenaline rush.
Mike’s favorite time in the park is fall because you can see through the forest and then in early spring there is new life. Mike considers Werner-Boyce his local park. He lives in this community and it is an escape from the urban environment.
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