Senior Clerk Emerita Ortiz loves helping people have an enjoyable and rewarding experience when visiting John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park.

John Lidington first discovered John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in 2014, but for a few years could visit only while on vacation. As a high-school teacher, he was immediately impressed by the large role education played in the park’s mission. 

Art was drawn to work at the park by his love for the ocean along with the plant and animal life within its boundaries.

Florida is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal species. Many of our native critters have gotten a tough reputation. Whether foreign or familiar, we’re here to debunk some of the misconceptions about Florida’s most misunderstood “spooky” species.

After retirement and relocating to Florida, Don found his new passion volunteering at Caladesi Island and Honeymoon Island state parks.

As an ISA certified arborist, Jacob is frequently found working on the landscaping at the park.

Justin is a Florida native and has been in Florida Park Service since 2010. He is the environmental specialist at Estero Bay Preserve State Park and he can’t imagine himself working anywhere else.

There are many ways give back at your favorite park. The Friends of Alafia along with the Alafia Trail Crew are crucial to our park.

Larry and Cathy Thurow's love of the outdoors drew them to Key Largo and the park. They enjoy group projects, making new friends and kayaking in the park.

Jackie is a dedicated and hard-working volunteer. Since 2002, she has been the manager of our nursery volunteer crew and has logged over 7,200 volunteer hours, some done administratively from her summer home. Jackie loves teaching people!