Alexander Fine
I earned my B.A. in History from Cal Poly Humboldt, where I developed a deep appreciation for landscapes shaped by both human and natural history. This passion led me to serve as a Park Ranger for the Florida Forest Service (FFS) at Etoniah Creek State Forest (ECSF). Although my last official day with FFS was during a Natural Areas Training Academy (NATA) class, I continue to volunteer my time at ECSF—helping maintain the forest’s unique ecosystems and supporting public access and general maintenance.
Participating in NATA and earning the Certificate in Natural Areas Management (CNAM) has been transformative for my career goals. The CNAM not only equipped me with practical tools in land stewardship, fire ecology, and invasive species management, but also inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in Forestry. The program filled critical gaps in my applied knowledge and confirmed my desire to continue growing as a land manager and conservationist.
The skills and knowledge I gained through NATA are directly applicable to my work at ECSF. For instance, during a recent volunteer-led habitat restoration project, I applied management principles learned through CNAM to assess and improve our Etonia rosemary plantings. The result was a measurable improvement in plant survival rates and stronger community engagement through volunteer outreach.
Thanks to NATA and the CNAM, I feel more confident and better equipped to support the mission of the Florida Forest Service in promoting ecological health, public access, and wildfire resilience across Florida’s natural areas. I also look forward to continuing my education in the field of natural areas resource management.
Alexander earned his Certificate in Natural Areas Management in May 2025
