Friends of Bahia Honda State Park

Board of Directors

The Friends of Bahia Honda State Park Board of Directors is made up of dedicated volunteers who bring

a diverse range of leadership, expertise, and enthusiasm in support of one of the world’s finest beaches.

All members of the Board of Directors adhere to a strong code of ethics in carrying out the organization’s mission.

President - Heather Skelley

I was born in Hawaii and traveled up through High School as part of a military family. I lived most of my adult life in Maryland and Delaware and have been visiting the Keys for vacation since 1992.

Bahia Honda was my first beach experience in the Keys, and I instantly fell in love with the pristine views and blue water. I have always loved the beach and have been passionate about keeping beaches clean and safe for humans and wildlife.

As part of my passion for the beach and ocean, I connected with the Friends of Bahia Honda through volunteering with other local organizations with the same commitment to sustaining and preserving the beautiful ecosystems in the park and surrounding area. I am thrilled to join the Board of the Friends of Bahia Honda!

Vice President - Bob Henry

Originally born and raised in Delaware County Pennsylvania. I spent my summers at 34th Street Beach in Ocean City New Jersey. I came to Bahia Honda in 2000 on my first visit to the Florida Keys.

I was amazed at the beautiful beaches and aqua blue water. I spent many days having fun in the sun while relaxing on Sandspur Beach and swimming in the clear blue ocean. After frequent visits to the Florida Keys, I finally purchased a 2nd home on Big Pine Key in 2010 mainly due to its proximity to Bahia Honda.

I decided to move to Big Pine and becoming a full-time Florida resident time in 2019. I became a Bahia Honda Park Ranger that same year. Working there as a ranger was truly a dream job. I met and made many new friends working with other rangers and volunteers at the park. Utilizing the knowledge of my fellow rangers, I learned the history of Bahia Honda and about the many types of unique plants and animals to be found in and around the island. I enjoyed educating and enlightening many inquisitive campers and visitors during my time as a park ranger.

I will continue to be a part of the park and impart my experience and knowledge with anyone and everyone. I would like to make the future even better, not only for the park, but also for everyone who gets to experience all the exciting activities and beauty this special place has to offer its visitors.

Treasurer - Donna Church

I moved to the Lower Keys in 1990 and fell in love with the laid back lifestyle. Currently, I am still chillin'. Most of the years here in the Keys, I have lived in a quaint house on Little Torch Key in the midst of a nature conservacy with my family.

My first time at Bahia Honda I thought , " This is a bit of Paradise here on earth!" In 2013 I accepted a part time administrative position to work at Bahia Honda and became part of a team to actively uphold the Park Service mission statement to "provide resource-based recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources". In 2019 I accepted a full time position as Administrative Assistant. Although most of my tasks were indoor tasks, I also participated in beach clean-ups, roving interpretation when I took my walks during breaks, and helped in rescuing injured birds. I had the privilege of being active in the FWC Turtle Nesting Surveys over the years.

Being a board member of the Friends of Bahia Honda CSO, I will continue to help carry out the mission statement at Bahia Honda

Secretary - Pam Martin

I began volunteering at Bahia Honda in 2014 at the Nature Center. After hurricane Irma, I drove the Bahia Honda State Park Trolley giving tours to thousands of visitors.

Presently, I volunteer as a roving reporter, chatting with visitors, offering park information and answering a variety of questions from our many park visitors.

I'm excited to be on the Board for Friends of Bahia Honda State Park as their Secretary and I'm looking forward to working with the rest of the amazing team.

Community Liason - Lenore Baker

I was born in New Jersey, and my father moved our family to Big Pine Key in 1965. The Florida Keys have been home ever since—they are truly part of my soul. The sights and scents of the Keys are unlike anywhere else in the world.

I love taking my dog out on the boat into the backcountry, working in my yard, watching the wildlife on our island, and doing my part to keep it clean by picking up trash.

I am honored to serve on the Board of the Friends of Bahia Honda State Park and look forward to contributing to the preservation and protection of this special place.