Message from Our Director

School is in Session  

Learning about…the Real Florida.

The big event for us in the Florida Park Service this month is Ranger Academy. We’re polishing our pins and ironing our shirts as we get ready to teach and congratulate the newest group of Florida State Park Rangers.  

The training at Ranger Academy centers around what we call The Big Five: maintenance, administration, visitor services, protection and resource management. While the day-to-day work of a ranger can change, most facets of working at Florida’s state parks fall within these broad categories.  

Curious about becoming a park ranger? Volunteering with your local park is an excellent way to see if you enjoy the work our park rangers do, while simultaneously giving back to your community. Look for opportunities or visit your local state park and talk to a staff member. 

The cooler weather also means a lot of living history events are starting up again since many of the historic structures in Florida’s state parks are preserved as they were, without air conditioning. Torreya State Park is not only home to an authentic 19th-century Southern mansion — it also showcases the historic work of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Learn about the history that shaped …the Real Florida and watch it come alive!  

October is also Greenways and Trails Month. If you’re like me and you can’t stay still, there are lots of ways to get out on the trail. Or, if you want to appreciate nature and enjoy a night on the town in the same day, visit one of Florida’s 21 Trail Towns where you can explore the services and unique heritage of each community. 

See you in the parks, 
Chuck Hatcher, Director
Florida State Parks