Seven Gift Ideas for December Holidays
December is the season of giving, when we recognize the people and places in our lives that we hold dear. Whether giving to a loved one, an organization or a charity, it can be hard to decide exactly how to spend your time and money.
Staff Spotlight, Mary Lemak
Park Ranger Mary Lemak enjoys a hard day’s work and sharing her love for the environment with the people who visit Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park.
Thanksgiving at a Park in the 1930s
Men of the Civilian Conservation Corps created their Thanksgiving memories at Florida state parks in the 1930s.
Staff Spotlight, Adam Spaulding
Adam is a Florida native and has lived all over the state. He got his first taste of the Florida Park Service through volunteering, and he was inspired to begin a career protecting and interpreting the state’s natural and cultural resources.
Staff Spotlight, Margaret "Peggy" Obear
Ranger Peggy gets to share her passion for history and general Florida knowledge while working at the museum dedicated to Dr. John Gorrie, the man who made the first ice machine and today is referred to as the father of refrigeration.
Staff Spotlight, Taylor Hodge
Taylor started her Florida Park Service journey as a volunteer at Oleta River State Park in June 2020 and was offered a part-time park ranger position at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park within a couple of months.
Staff Spotlight, Larry Thurow
Once reaching retirement age, many people are overjoyed to never have to clock in again, but not Larry Thurow! Larry came out of retirement recently to serve as the assistant park manager for the state parks in the Islamorada area after several years of volunteering. When asked why he decided to start work again, Larry says, “This way we can volunteer and get paid for it. We can serve the parks year-round!”
Volunteer Spotlight, Cathy Thurow
Staff Spotlight, Brent Garrett
Growing up in Florida, Brent Garrett has always had a love of the outdoors, whether fishing, playing soccer or going to the beach with friends. Brent has fond memories with his dad fishing and learning new techniques to catch fish and how to help preserve nature for the future.
Staff Spotlight, Kathleen Dawson
Kathy's positive attitude and enthusiasm earned her the District 1 Employee of the Month Award for June 2021 and the 2021 Florida Park Service District 1 Employee of the Year Award.