Volunteer Voices - Patty Lillie

Meet Canaveral National Seashore Volunteer Patty Lillie

Patricia (Patty) Lillie is a Florida native and animal lover. She was born in Winter Park and lives there with two sisters, 19 cats, two turtles and a cockatoo. She works full-time at the Florida Commerce Department, part-time at Cracker Barrel and volunteers at Canaveral National Seashore around her work schedule. Get to know Patty and how she got started as a park volunteer:

How did you begin volunteering at Canaveral National Seashore?

The docent volunteer coordinator at the Central Florida Zoo [in Sanford] told us the National Seashore needed volunteers, so 20 of us went there to volunteer. Mike Daley’s wife Nancy was one of that original group and she also got Mike involved.

How long have you been volunteering at Canaveral National Seashore?

I started volunteering in the summer of 1997, so it’s been 28 years.

What types of volunteer activities have you done?

I have helped with the Turtle Watch program, the Junior Ranger program, beach clean-ups and different festivals involving Canaveral National Seashore.

Has there been a highlight for you in the national park?

Educating people about sea turtles and seeing two nesting leatherback sea turtles – the world’s largest sea turtles! I just enjoy the company of the rangers and fellow volunteers.

Do you volunteer anywhere else?

I also volunteer at the Central Florida Zoo and previously volunteered for the Florida Black Bear Festival, Florida Water Festival and the Sierra Club.

Why is it important for you to volunteer?

Because of the opportunity to provide education. Ranging from water quality to animal welfare, information is important. People will only take action for things they care about. By educating the public about animals and their needs, people will care more and hopefully take action to preserve animals and their environments.