Volunteer Spotlight, Susan Facteau
Sue grew up in the historic Dutch community of Watervliet, N.Y. After graduating high school in 1970, she pursued a military career completing Navy boot camp in Bainbridge, M.D. She “fell in love” with Florida while at the Naval Training Center in Orlando when training as a U.S. Navy Yeoman and vowed to return some day. Sue was stationed in Lakehurst, N.J. from 1972-1977. After completing her service, she moved to Bonita Springs in 1978 and worked at Naples Community Hospital for 41 years. She initially volunteered with Thoroughbred Rescue in Naples.
After a life spent working in an office, Sue vigorously pursued volunteering outdoors and worked at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, the Café of Life in Bonita Springs and Collier County Habitat for Humanity. Skilled at carpentry, construction and painting, maintenance is her forte. In the fall of 2022, Sue landed in Sebring after Hurricane Ian forced her to relocate, and she again became immersed in volunteering. Sue is active at Highlands Community Church, Hands for the Homeless Avon Park and Feeding Tampa Bay.
She began volunteering at Highlands Hammock State Park in January 2023. Activities included trail maintenance, invasive plant removal and park maintenance projects. FWC Ridge Ranger workdays and Audubon of Florida Jay Watch surveys quickly followed. The Amphitheater restoration in January 2024 was a labor-intensive, month-long project which was “hard work, fun and rewarding.” Sue is a highly valued and respected team member who also works well independently. Park Maintenance Specialist David Trogdon knows he can rely on her “to do whatever is needed, including mowing the grass.”
As she approaches 1000 volunteer hours, Sue is currently working on rebuilding the overflow boardwalk and shows up like clockwork despite the heat, humidity and bugs! Sue, who describes herself as a “do it yourselfer,” truly thrives on Florida nature, being busy, and the rewards of completing projects which require hard work. She is an exemplary volunteer whose service makes a tremendous difference to the park and to her community.