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HOMOSASSA SPRINGS — Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park volunteer, Ines Monteverde, has recently been recognized as an “Outstanding Volunteer” by the Nature Coast Volunteer Center, a Citrus County volunteer recruitment organization. Monteverde was recognized for her dedication and overall contribution to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the Hospice of Citrus County.
“Ines is a generous and dependable volunteer,” said Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Services Specialist Marla Chancey. “I’ve worked with thousands of volunteers and I’ve only met a few with a heart as full of love and compassion as Ines Monteverde.”
Ines Monteverde greets visitors exiting the boat or tram and welcomes them to the park at the West Entrance. Ines can always be counted on to greet visitors with a smile and have answers to their questions. She is also a member of the park’s citizen support organization. In addition to her work at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Ines has been a dedicated volunteer with Hospice of Citrus County for many years, helping both Hospice patients and their families.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park provides an opportunity to see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park's underwater observatory in the main spring. The park showcases native Florida wildlife including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles and river otters. In addition, the park has Wildlife Encounter programs that feature snakes and other native animals. Recreational opportunities include picnicking, nature studies, bird-watching and a children’s educational center.
The first two-time Gold Medal winner honoring the nation’s best state park service, Florida’s state park system is one of the largest in the country with 160 parks spanning 700,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach. From swimming and diving in Florida’s rivers and springs to birding and fishing or hiking and riding on natural scenic trails, Florida’s state parks offer year-round outdoor activities for all ages. Battle reenactments and Native American festivals celebrate Florida’s unique history, while art shows, museums and lighthouses offer a window into Florida’s cultural heritage.
For more information about Florida’s award-winning state parks, visit
www.FloridaStateParks.org.
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