Volunteer Spotlight, Andris Duffy
Andris Duffy
Ravine Gardens State Park
After being in an office building all week while working for a major insurance company, I found respite in the state parks of northern Illinois and Wisconsin. After visiting every park in Wisconsin and retiring from the work force, it was time for new adventures.
Being from St Augustine, I found it a short journey to Palatka to attend the Azalea Days celebration at Ravine Gardens State Park. After the crowds left, I found there was so much more to the park. It’s much more than azaleas! It’s gardens, trails and history.
The park staff noticed and gave me insight to areas of the park that I should see and future programs that might be of interest to me. A ranger-led butterfly talk and meeting other volunteers opened the door for me to become more involved as a volunteer.
As president now of our citizen support group, I learn more and more about “my” park and the wonderful staff members who provide protection, education and visitor opportunities. While I enjoy the beach, it is so nice to have an alternative here at Ravine Gardens State Park.
Each person I meet in the park, each smile on a child’s face while attending ECO Adventure Camp, and all the other special programs and events, make putting my organizational skills learned while in the work force so much more meaningful in my volunteer efforts. Each stamp in my Florida State Parks Passport is valued, but Ravine Gardens State Park is home.