Celebrating Women's History Month | Florida State Parks

March is women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month.

This month we celebrate the stories of women who have played leading roles in the history of Florida State Parks.

These are stories about activists, artists, boat captains and more. Their accomplishments vary from helping preserve land to building formal gardens. Visit a state park near you to learn more about these incredible women!

water grass and brown sign

Remembering the Queen of Marco

Tommie Camilla Stephen Barfield, who settled near Marco Island with her family as a child, became known as the "Queen of Marco." The land her family settled on Grocery Place is now part of Collier-Seminole State Park.

Carol Beck leading a tram tour.

Pioneering Park Interpretation

Carol was the first female field employee for the Florida Park Service. In the 1950s, she created the first tram tour at Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring.

Walking and hiking

Promoting Art and the Koreshan Unity

Bertie Boomer was a talented artist who influenced art in the utopian society of Koreshan Unity.

Beach view of sea oats

Creating a Legacy in the Florida Keys

Lamar Louise Curry chose a life of teaching instead of life of luxury. Her family’s property is now Curry Hammock State Park.

Manatees swimming at Silver Springs State Park.

Becoming a Boat Captain

Not only did this make her the first female boat captain at Silver Springs, it also made her the first female boat captain in Marion County to be certified by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Colorful sunset over a freshwater marsh

Saving the Savannas in South Florida

Carol Herzog grew up appreciating the natural abundance and beauty of the savannas in St. Lucie County. As an adult, she led efforts to ensure its conservation and protection.

The Lodge at Camp Helen

Building Paradise on the Gulf Coast

Margaret Hicks built the Lodge and the Rainbow Cottages at what is now Camp Helen State Park.

A view of an orange and black butterfly perched on a bush.

Preserving Key Largo Hammock

Dagny Johnson led citizen efforts to stop a development in Key Largo.

Wesley House at Eden Gardens State Park

Showcasing Antiques at Wesley House

Lois Maxon traveled the world collecting antiques, which are now displayed at Wesley House at Eden Gardens State Park.

Lignumvitae

Living on Islands for More than 40 Years

Charlotte Niedhauk and her husband were island caretakers and pioneers in the Florida Keys.

Two Manatees Swimming Together in Spring

Preserving Homosassa Springs

Susan Strawbridge joined with others to preserve Homosassa Springs.

Pavilion Overlooking a Pond

Building a Beachside Garden

Louise Young set the groundwork for the formal gardens that became Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.