Volunteer Voices - Joe Visconti

Meet Canaveral National Seashore Volunteer Joe Visconti

Canaveral National Seashore volunteer Joe Visconti was born in Deland, Fla., and after serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to this area in early 1988 to work with McDonnell Douglas Aerospace on the Delta launch vehicle. Get to know Joe here:

Tell us about your career background.

I’m recently retired from the aerospace industry, but I began my career in the U.S. Air Force and then transitioned to working at what is now known as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. I began working as an electronics technician. Over the years I transitioned to different positions, eventually becoming a Quality Engineer. I’ve worked on the Delta I, Delta II, Delta III, and Delta IV, Atlas I and Atlas II, Vulcan launch vehicles and played a small role in the Artemis Mission via ICPS second stage. At the end of my working career, I worked on the Blue Origin New Glenn first launch in January 2025.

How did you start volunteering at Canaveral National Seashore?

One early morning, while walking along Playalinda Beach enjoying the sunrise, I met volunteer Randy Singer. After talking with him for about 30 minutes, he convinced me it was a great way to give back to the community, get in touch with nature, all while enjoying the beauty of the ocean, getting a little exercise, and learning as much as possible about the history of the area.

How long have you volunteered at Canaveral? 

Nearly two years.

What types of volunteer duties have you had in the park?

I primarily walk the beach picking up debris that has washed ashore or visitors have left behind. I also have joined the larger groups in Beach Cleanup strolls. In addition, I have enjoyed the Seminole Rest program in Oak Hill to learn about the history of Snyder Mound and the early Native American inhabitants.

Do you volunteer anywhere else?

I volunteer within my local neighborhood at The Nature Center, located at The Great Outdoors RV and Golf Resort just west of Titusville, educating residents about the wildlife, plants and the environment surrounding the area. I’m also involved with Firewise, another small organization that assists residents, local, county and state authorities on fire prevention within our community.

What has been the highlight for you so far at Canaveral National Seashore?

My first thought is witnessing the sea turtles laying their eggs and returning to the ocean. It’s such a wonderful experience to view such a unique moment. Recognizing that this beautiful creature is the one of 1,000 to survive and return to the same beach to continue her species. There are thousands of sea turtles nesting each season. However, when I really think about the beauty of the area, the true highlight of Canaveral National Seashore is every sunrise. It is such a unique area, untouched by development, commercialization, condos, apartments, hotels, etc. I can more easily imagine how the first native inhabitants experienced daily life.

Why is it important for you to volunteer?

I feel very blessed to be able to be in a place where I can give back. I also really enjoy it. Giving back to the community is very rewarding. Anytime you can make something a little better for someone else, it’s satisfying. It also makes it safer. Unfortunately, we often come across old Mylar balloons, plastic bottles or any number of items that we recognize to be potentially harmful to wildlife. Removing these items from the shoreline gives me a sense of gratification.

What do you try to help guests learn when they visit our park? 

I share with them my knowledge of the park, the turtles, birds and the environment.

How many national parks have you visited?

When we were growing up, my family went camping across the country and we camped at dozens of different National Parks. Two parents and five children in a station wagon towing a pop-up camper and a two-man tent. I have very fond memories of those years. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but looking back I recognize it gave me a greater respect for nature. Walking and hiking within the parks meeting other campers and watching the variety of wildlife in their natural habitat was a humbling experience.