Staff Spotlight, Courtney Nott

Park Services Specialist, Courtney Nott

Alafia River State Park

Courtney was born and raised in a small town in South Florida. Growing up, most of her time was spent exploring the outdoors. She was always fascinated by nature, and so she obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental science at the University of South Florida in Tampa to pursue a career doing what she loved.

After various part-time jobs, Courtney was hired as a part-time ranger at Alafia River State Park in 2016. She instantly fell in love with the park and immersed herself in helping with resource management any way she could. Soon after, she was promoted to Park Ranger at Myakka River State Park and then called back to Alafia as a Park Services Specialist in 2018.

As the Resource Manager at Alafia River, Courtney has taken on the challenge of returning a former phosphate mine area back to its original state through exotic vegetation removal, prescribed burning and reforestation. Over 45,000 longleaf and Southern slash pines have been planted in the park over the past two years thanks to Ranger Courtney's efforts and dedication.

Courtney is also the volunteer coordinator for the park. Volunteers are the heart of Alafia River and are instrumental in keeping the park running. She works with them to cover all areas of the big five: visitor services, administration, resource management, protection and maintenance.

In her down time, Courtney loves exploring new places, reading a good book and snuggling with her three cats.