As a long-time Florida coastal resident, I have fallen in love with the ecology of this diverse and beautiful state.

Currently, I split my time between the Keys and my hometown in northwest Pennsylvania. I will tell anyone willing to listen that I am lucky enough to live in two of the most beautiful places on earth.

As a resident volunteer at Bahia Honda State Park for the past several years, it has quickly become like home. I am passionate about maintaining a balance between public access and preserving its unique ecology.

Because of that passion, I am honored to serve on the Friends of Bahia Honda State Park Board. My goals in this role, are to work as part of a team to integrate community and park goals to ensure the growth and preservation of this amazing asset in the Florida Keys p>

When we first started staying in the Lower Keys in 2012 we fell in love with the beauty of Bahia Honda State Park. We would sit for hours on Sandspur Beach and marvel at what Mother Nature put out for us every day, the shore birds, those flying above us diving for food in the ocean, the lapping of the waves onto the white sandy beach and so much more.

We became volunteers, sometimes cleaning the beach 6 days a week. It wasn't long after that we moved full-time to the Keys and were introduced to a like-minded group of people who were starting up the Friends of Bahia Honda State Park.

I started as secretary and a few years back became the FOBHSP president. I believe my 34 years in business gave me the organizational skills needed to do the work I now do. It is very rewarding to work with fellow volunteers and park staff who all believe we can and do make a difference in our park, what I'll always call, the jewel of the Lower Keys .

Shortly after moving to Florida in 2014 I began volunteering for Florida state parks.  A few years ago I had the opportunity to volunteer for Bahia Honda State Park and immediately fell in love with this gorgeous island.  The diverse ecosystems found on this small island fascinated me.  I felt fortunate to be able to walk the, then closed, Sandspur Beach to help collect the mass quantity of plastics and other trash that the tides and ocean currents brought in each day.

I currently spend a portion of the year at my cabin in northwest Pennsylvania but always look forward to returning to the Florida Keys.  I find myself regaling my friends with stories of the time I spend in the Keys and at Bahia Honda State Park.  It is truly an honor to be able to lend my time and expertise to assist the park.

I am beyond excited to join the Board of the Friends of Bahia Honda and am committed to assist with fund raising that supports the growth and beautification of the park.

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 visitor.

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.

Originally from Connecticut, my relocation to Florida provided many opportunities for career change as well as a chance to get more involved with local charities.

Living on Big Pine Key, an island in the Florida Keys, means you have a small local community. Here, everyone seems to know everyone, and you never know who you might meet. .

Meeting and becoming friends with the previous park manager from Bahia Honda State Park, who had an idea, lead to my involvement with this great organization. With many hours put in by a few dedicated people, in 2015, the Friends of Bahia Honda State Park was born, and I was privileged to become its first president. .

Currently serving as treasurer, my commitment to this organization continues and I am very proud of what the Friends of Bahia Honda has accomplished for the park over these few short years of existence. p>

After numerous years of renting in the Lower Florida Keys, we kept staying longer and longer, we made the decision to move here full-time.

The beaches of Bahia Honda State Park became a part of our almost daily lives. Before joining The Friends of Bahia Honda State Park, my wife and I would volunteer often, cleaning the beach and speaking with park visitors. Giving back to Bahia Honda State Park is the least that we can do, since it has given us so much.

I have served on the board of directors almost since the inception of the FOBHSP and currently serve as the Secretary. Being involved with special events, giving interpretive tours and working side by side with fellow volunteers and park staff is satisfying. I welcome others to join us.