Tom and Lynn Maize
Volunteer Team of 2 Award for Resource Management
Tom and Lynn Maize have been volunteering at Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach and North Peninsula State Park since 2015.
Tom and Lynn initially began helping at the popular monthly Moonrise at the Beach program. Over the years, this amazing duo have added to their repertoire by developing programs on blue crab, gopher tortoises and birding. Their programs are entertaining and informative, which draw visitors into the park, and are extremely popular with campers.
Tom and Lynn are key contributors to removing exotic, invasive plant species in the park. They are trusted volunteers with a proven ability to plan, lead and execute projects and programs. They are thorough in their organization and meticulous in their record keeping, especially when it comes to exotic plant removal.
During summer 2020, Tom and Lynn tackled a project of removing an area of air potato vine infestation in Gamble Rogers. Within three months, Tom and Lynn had cut stump treated and/or removed over 11,525 air potato vines from 0.75 acres of state park land. Their removal of this heavy infestation opened up the area to allow for the reestablishment of native plants and improved wildlife habitat. Box turtles and deer have been observed in this area now.
Together, Tom and Lynn have contributed over 3,493 hours (Lynn, 1,406; Tom, 2,087) since 2015.
2020 Florida State Parks Volunteer Recognition Award Winner
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