Elijah Filsinger, Park Ranger
Working at a state park is second nature to Elijah.
Elijah was born in Lakeland and has been living there for 20 years. He started fishing and hiking at Colt Creek State Park with his family just after it opened in 2006. Elijah started volunteering at the park in January 2021, was hired as a park attendant in July 2021 and was promoted to a full-time park ranger in August 2022.
Elijah’s goal is to continue his career with the Florida Park Service while he pursues his bachelor’s degree. He hopes to further contribute to the restoration and protection of Florida’s natural lands while educating visitors on how they can keep Florida beautiful.
Programs he has led include “Introduction to Fishing,” a “Ranger Talk” on mushrooms and a prescribed fire program. His favorite habitats in Colt Creek State Park are the pine flatwoods and wetlands. Elijah also appreciates seeing his favorite animals while at the park: gopher tortoise, red-shouldered hawk, American alligator and many species of snakes.
In his spare time, Elijah enjoys fishing, kayaking and exploring the outdoors. His hope is that when people come to visit, they will see the complexity and beauty in the fragile ecosystems that Colt Creek State Park offers.
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