Volunteer Spotlight, Susi Wilde
Susi Wilde
Manatee Springs State Park
Susi Wilde was born in Hamburg, Germany, but her love of Florida began after moving to West Palm Beach at an early age. She has tried to move away from the state many times, but her passion for Florida State Parks and the desire to share her knowledge of the parks with visitors have always brought her back.
After retiring from teaching English at Daytona State University, volunteering at Florida State Parks was the next logical step for Susi to follow up a lifetime of conservation, grant writing and trail development. Some of her more noteworthy projects have included working on the Spring to Spring Trail, Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail and the East Central Regional Rail Trail, including writing the entire state management plan - the first with measurable objectives.
Her favorite part of volunteering at Manatee Springs State Park is viewing the natural beauty of the springs and the cypress trees that surround the edges of the water, especially in the fall when the weather is cooler and the leaves have changed color. Swimming is Susi's favorite activity to enjoy at the park, with kayaking and fishing coming in a very close second.
Susi's main goal when volunteering is to share her love and knowledge of the outdoors with visitors every day. We are very lucky to have her as a volunteer at Manatee Springs State Park!