Volunteer Spotlight, Faith Whalen
Faith Whalen
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park
Faith Whalen is a local volunteer at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. As lifetime Girl Scout, Faith developed a love of the outdoors and a desire to make the world a better place at an early age. While her duties at the park involve many aspects concerning the park’s daily operations, she is often found coordinating events and group programs, creating marketing materials, or designing interpretative signage for the park. She even fills in occasionally to conduct a weekly ranger program – her favorite being the program on the gopher tortoise! This is because Faith helps monitor the sea turtles on the beach, and works hard to make sure that they are safe from unnecessary human interference.
Faith enjoys the work she does because it encourages visitors to embrace all the park has to offer! Along with the recreational aspects, Faith wants to help foster an appreciate for not only the park, but for the wildlife visitors can find in their own backyard. She believes that such an appreciation can lead to a passion for helping preserve and protect the park for years to come.
Although Faith’s eyes get big when you mention sea turtles, she won’t say her favorite plant, animal or place in the park. She will instead challenge you to explore the park and then come back and tell her your favorites. When asked why she chooses to work at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park she says, “Because it is the perfect blend of preserved natural ecosystems, recreational opportunities, a large campground, the beach and an action-packed program and event schedule!” Faith’s enthusiasm and dedication to the park shines (even when it’s cloudy!) and makes a difference for each and every person that visits.