Volunteer Voices - Mark Spradley

Mark Spradley on the porch at Seminole Rest. Photo by Jabez Coggan, Canaveral National Seashore

Meet Canaveral National Seashore Volunteer Mark Spradley

Canaveral National Seashore volunteer Mark Spradley’s childhood nickname was “Mud” because he was always in the water and somewhere getting dirty. That stands to reason for a kid who grew up playing outdoors year-round in Florida. Get to know Mark here:

Where were you born?

On Key Biscayne, an Island off Miami. I spent my childhood swimming in the ocean, fishing and water skiing on Biscayne Bay. We were feral children who spent every day outside. 

What is your career background?

I am a retired Chiropractor. I began volunteering at the Marine Discovery Center when it was still housed in the city’s former water treatment plant building and eventually became a full-time employee there for about 10 years, leading kayak tours, working as docent, working in marketing and running the center’s welcome desk. I am now fully retired.

How did you start volunteering at Canaveral National Seashore?

It’s a funny story. For 30 years, I would walk around the Seminole Rest house, which was never open. One day I saw a sign that the house was open, so I walked in. The ranger, Jabez Coggan, was there and I told him that story. He handed me a volunteer application and asked which day I wanted to open the house? I said Tuesdays and I have opened it every Tuesday since then. 

How long have you volunteered at Canaveral?

About seven months. I am looking forward to being there at least a few years. 

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

Opening the house and greeting visitors at Seminole Rest. I explain the history of the house and answer questions about the Indian River Lagoon. Conversations often lead to other subjects, like rocket launches or Oak Hill history. So, I am ready for anything. 

Do you volunteer anywhere else?

I am presently a volunteer at the New Smyrna Museum of History. I work at the front desk and lead walking tours during the cooler months. I have volunteered with many environmental groups in such areas as monofilament recycling, manatee watch, dolphin watch, right whale watch, Audubon eagle Watch, and have helped with injured bird rescues. I also am a volunteer for Florida State Parks working out of Blue Spring with the manatees.  

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

Going up to the third floor of the house. Not just anyone is allowed to do that! Mostly though, it is talking to the diverse people I meet at Seminole Rest. I am also putting together a few educational programs I have been asked to do about the lagoon.  

Why is it important for you to volunteer?

Although I realize the work done by these organizations is extremely important, my reason is more selfish. I just love meeting all the people along the way and getting to do things that would not otherwise be possible.

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

I start with the history of the house, but within a few minutes, I usually learn what they are interested in the most, so I may answer questions about the environment, rocket launches or even other National Parks they have visited. 

How many national parks have you visited?

Dozens! The first two were on my family's summer vacations. I saw snow for the first time in Rocky Mountain National Park and I remember Thunder Hole in Acadia National Park. I have been to most of the large parks out west and hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon overnight. Of course, I spent many weekends in the Everglades as a teenager.