I was hired to work at Wells Mills County Park in May in of 2017. I worked over the summer as a seasonal recreation aide. In my last weeks, a position opened as an intermittent part time program assistant. The park's Chief Naturalist asked if I would apply for the position... so I did.

My duties included: taking care of the animals and acting as docent in the park's Nature Center, paddling with canoe Eco-tours in the summer, and interpretive nature hikes and birding trips all year round. The trips we host can support 10 to 25 people, school groups of up to 40 also visit in the summer for canoeing and guided nature walks.

I'm also involved in guided van tours. I am the most recent recipient of the commercial drivers license at the parks system. This qualifications allows me to drive county vans loaded with participants all across the state for amazing hikes, canoe trips and children's programs. Getting the CDL was challenging to say the least, but it is so worth. It's hard to describe the feeling when I show new birders red knots for the first time or drive groups up to the Palisades and join them for a hike.

We offer many programs suited for everyone. Jake's Branch County Park hosts the Awesome Autumn Fun event in November. This event is based around having fun with fall themed games for people of all ages, especially children, to enjoy. With an estimated attendance of 2,500. We were all tuckered out by the end of the day.

Ocean County Park Website

The Decoy and Gunning Show, held at Tip Seaman County Park in Tuckerton the last weekend of September, is a massive three day event dedicated to hunting and outdoor activities. There is an average attendance of 15,000 to 20,000. Wood carving, especially hunting decoys, has a strong following among the baymen and hunters of the Barnegat Bay region.

Some of the major attractions are the Dock Dogs Competition held across the street at the Tuckerton Seaport, the skeet shooting from a sneakbox competition, the Retriever Competition, and the Decoy Judging contest.

After two years of working as an intermittent Recreation Aide I was hired as a full time Park Naturalist. The full time position brings with it so many more opportunities. I spend a bulk of my time during the slower winter season preparing presentations and studying maps for the many hikes we offer. I am so thankful for the many people who helped me along the way to my first full time job.