Volunteer Spotlight, Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins, Park Volunteer
Nathan Collins has always had a love for the water and the environment. By day, he teaches the Outboard Marine Service class at the local high school, sharing his passion for boats and engines with the next generation. But outside the classroom, Nate devotes his time and energy to protecting Florida’s natural resources.
His volunteer journey started at the Pennekamp Native Plant Nursery, where he spent hours helping care for young plants that would one day be used to restore native habitats. That first step opened the door to even more opportunities with the Florida Park Service. Today, Nate plays an important role in the Islamorada Area State Parks, focusing on seagrass restoration and resource management.
For Nate, the motivation is personal. “I wanted a way to offset my carbon footprint,” he explained. “Planting trees and protecting seagrass was one of the best ways I could think of to pursue that goal.”
Seagrass restoration is no small task. When boats run aground or leave prop scars in shallow waters, the damage can take years to heal on its own. One technique Nate helps with is the installation of bird stakes—simple poles placed in the seagrass beds that give seabirds a place to perch. Their natural fertilization boosts regrowth, helping the seagrass fill in scars and stabilize the sediment below.
In addition, Nate assists with maintaining and installing mooring buoys in park waters. These buoys provide safe spots for boaters to tie up without dropping anchor, protecting the fragile seagrass from repeated damage in popular areas. You can find mooring buoys at sites like the San Pedro Underwater Archaeological Preserve, Indian Key Historic State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and behind Shell Key.
Whether in the classroom teaching students or out in the field volunteering, Nate is making a difference every day. His efforts are helping ensure that Florida’s coastal ecosystems will be around for generations to come.
Interested in following Nate’s example? Volunteering with Florida’s state parks is a rewarding way to give back to the environment and your community.