A MESSAGE FROM OUR ACTING DIRECTOR

Spring is a great time to celebrate our park volunteers. National Volunteer Month is in April and it's also the time of year when we hold our annual volunteer appreciation awards ceremonies.

These events are always memorable, and they were even more so this year. For the first time in three years, we gathered and celebrated in person.  

There's something special about being able to look someone in the eye to tell them how much you appreciate all that they do. Each of our five districts host a volunteer appreciation event, and each event features amazing stories of volunteers who donate their time, talents and expertise to enhance their favorite state parks.

Volunteers are crucial to our mission. They do routine maintenance and upkeep, serve as campground hosts, and participate in restoration and preservation projects throughout the state.

During our last fiscal year, we had nearly 4,500 volunteers contribute nearly 1 million hours. In fact, some of those volunteers have served their parks for multiple decades and completed thousands of service hours. It’s truly remarkable.

National Volunteer Month may be in April, but it’s always a great time to volunteer with Florida State Parks. There are volunteer roles suited for all ages, skills and abilities, and each and every one of those roles provides a rewarding experience.

See you in the parks,

Chuck Hatcher