A view from Rocky Mountain National Park | | |
NOTES FROM THE FIELD
Heather L. Pastor
| | |
Protect What You Love.
Some say those words and others live them. For true stewards, protecting the places that connect us to nature, history, and culture is a calling. And they find purpose in convening to share that devotion.
In late September, I had the opportunity to experience that shared passion at the National Park Friends Alliance Fall Conference in Estes Park, Colorado. I joined almost 400 people from across the country who represent national parks and the nonprofit organizations that support them. We were hosted by Rocky Mountain National Park and the Rocky Mountain Conservancy for a three-day conference during the height of elk rutting season.
While each of us came from a different place and serve different parks, monuments or waterways, we shared a common goal. The conference was a wonderful reminder of the power of collaboration—of bringing together people who care deeply, sharing ideas and working toward something greater than any one organization can accomplish alone.
We protect what we love. And together, we can help ensure that our national parks, including our beloved Canaveral National Seashore, are protected and shared with all.
| | | UCF students participate in International Coastal Cleanup. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Linda Walters) | | |
University of Central Florida Undergraduates Contribute to 2026 International Coastal Cleanup at Apollo Beach
By Landry Goodwin and Dr. Linda Walters
My name is Landry Goodwin and I am currently enrolled in Marine Conservation and Restoration at University of Central Florida. This is a UCF Service-Learning class with Dr. Linda Walters as the instructor. Each year, including this September, members of her class go out by boat to collect and document trash from Canaveral National Seashore’s shorelines and campgrounds.
This was the first International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) for me and three of my classmates. We arrived at Canaveral and were well taken care of by Ranger Ashley Lord and the park staff, as well as by the nice folks associated with Friends of Canaveral. As students, we love swag. So, it was no surprise that we were very happy to receive a cool t-shirt, plus work gloves, snacks from Trader Joe’s and trash bags. We joined at least 100 other volunteers in the Apollo District on this sunny Saturday morning.
| | The nesting season runs through the end of October. The Leatherback and Kemps Ridley turtles stalled out weeks ago. Will our Loggerhead and Greens take us to the 18,000 mark? | | |
ACTIVITIES AT THE SEASHORE
October 2026
| | |
APOLLO BEACH VISITORS CENTER HOURS
Open Daily * 9am - 5pm
For a full list of activities offered this month, click on the buttons below.
| | |
“Postcards from Canaveral” Documentary Continues in October
There will still be a chance to view “Postcards from Canaveral” in October if you missed seeing this moving documentary film last month. The Apollo District Visitors Center at Canaveral National Seashore will show the film three times this month at no charge to the public.
A presentation by the Young Sound Seekers program, “Postcards from Canaveral” highlights a special journey to create an audio tour of Canaveral National Seashore. Students from Conklin Davis Center for the Visually Impaired in Daytona Beach lead viewers on a tour of the national park in the film, describing how visually impaired individuals experience and interpret the natural world in their own way.
The students worked with local videographer Brent Eite of Focal Point Photography, as well as Stetson University staff and students to produce the film -- made possible through National Park Service grant funding to Atlantic Center for the Arts in collaboration with community partners.
Viewings of the 25-minute film are scheduled at the Apollo District Visitor Center on: Saturday, Oct. 3; Saturday, Oct. 17; and Saturday, Oct. 24. All showings of the film will be held at 2 p.m.
| | | | |
Volunteers Needed at Seminole Rest
Seminole Rest, a historic property that is part of Canaveral National Seashore, is looking for friendly volunteers to assist with interpretation and serve at the front desk. Located on the Indian River Lagoon in Oak Hill, Fla., this site is open year-round.
Volunteers are needed to greet guests inside the main house, answer questions and share stories about the people and places shaping this landscape that was once home to the Timucuan native people. Volunteers also may be asked to walk the grounds to engage with guests.
Shifts vary for volunteers, who are needed to assist staff for four hours a week, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Scheduling is needed for both year-round and seasonal volunteers.
For more information, contact Jabez Coggan IV at 321-291-1620 or at Jabez_Coggan@nps.gov.
| | |
Purchase Your Piece of the Park
Stop at the Apollo Beach Visitor Center on your next visit to the park. The Friends of Canaveral has been gifted 3 original paintings which are now on display and available for purchase. Each piece, depicting a location in Canaveral National Seashore, was donated by the artist to benefit the Friends organization.
You don't have to make your purchase in person. You can buy the art online. For more information, visit our Art Sales page on the website. Thank you for your on-going support!
| | | | |
Doris Leeper House
Ruth Squitieri
Watercolor on Paper
11" x 14"
$450 (+ tax)
This painting depicts the Leeper House, the former home of artist, environmental advocate, and preservationist Doris Leeper, who lived on the property during the 1960s.
| | | | |
Coming Together
Cathy Berse
Oil on Canvas
12" x 30"
$1500 (+ tax)
New Smyrna Beach artist Cathy Berse captures a familiar coastal vista at the end of the road near Parking Lot 5 in the Apollo Beach section of Canaveral National Seashore.
| | | | |
View from Turtle Mound
Linda Blondheim
Acrylic on Panel
18" x 24"
$1700 (+ tax)
From this elevated vantage point, Blondheim depicts the winding waters of Mosquito Lagoon, native vegetation, and clusters of sabal palms illuminated by the region’s distinctive light.
| | |
FRIENDS IN THE COMMUNITY
International Coastal Cleanup - Sept 19
| | Canaveral National Seashore was a host location for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup - the world’s largest annual coastal clean-up event. Volunteers of all ages came out to clear the beach of litter and debris on Saturday, September 19. Snacks were provided at the event to all volunteers, courtesy of Trader Joe's of Daytona Beach, who also brought a volunteer team to help with the clean-up effort. | | |
VOLUNTEER VOICES
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.
| | |
Before they set off in search of warmer water for the winter, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the West Indian Manatees (a federally endangered species) at the Apollo District Visitor Center dock and the Haulover Canal manatee overlook along State Road 3.
As the temperatures drop, they will use the west side of Mosquito Lagoon, along the Intracoastal Waterway, as a corridor to move north and south. Pockets along the east side are used for resting and foraging. During colder months, manatees leave the lagoon, seeking warmer water to the south or freshwater springs along the St Johns River.
| | | | |
Friends of Canaveral support the National Park Service, and now, more than ever, your membership is vital in helping our mission to preserve, protect, and interpret the 57,000 acres of pristine shoreline, dunes, and wilderness that comprise Canaveral National Seashore.
Protect What You Love! Renew your membership today.
BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP
- Membership card that entitles you to 15% discount at the CANA gift shop
- Subscription to the monthly e-Newsletter
- Invitation to our annual meeting
- Volunteer opportunities
- Gifts included for new memberships at all levels, including a FREE Turtle Watch ticket at the $100 Sea Turtle level of membership
| | |
REPORT VIOLATIONS
If you suspect a fish, wildlife, boating, or environmental law violation, report it to the FWC's Wildlife Alert Reward Program:
888-404-FWCC (3922).
| | | | |
