Staff Spotlight, Kathleen Kelso
Assistant Park Manager, Kathleen Kelso
Amelia Island State Park
Kathleen Kelso first connected to the outdoors along the northern shores of the Atlantic Coast. Raised in Ottawa, Canada, Kathleen and her family were avid campers, taking to the outdoors any time that they could either by tent or trailer.
Kathleen enjoys working for Talbot Islands because parks are really "where it is at" for her. She believes they are important places for people to get out and appreciate the joy of living. Her goal is to be the connection between the management and the field rangers to ensure the park is the best that it can be for everyone. Kathleen started out as a park ranger before promoting to management, and remembers most fondly her contributions to interpretive programs, especially an outdoor cooking program complete with a Talbot Island Outdoor Camping Recipe book.
Kathleen connects to the mission of the Florida Park Service and appreciates having her senses exposed to nature and recreation daily as well as being able to work with an awesome group of people who share a similar set of values. Her favorite place to be in the parks is on the beach at Little Talbot Island early in the morning when it’s usually empty. Jogging along the shoreline is a major favorite on days off.
She also enjoys hiking the Fort George Road and park trails, especially the Campground Nature Loop trail, taking in the sights and sounds of the woods. She hopes to see you soon at Amelia Island State Park or any of the Talbot Island parks.