Kyle Messina
Hey!
I’m Kyle Messina, Park Ranger with Manatee County Natural Resources. My educational background is in marine bio and fish and wildlife management. I have had a very winding career path which includes Park Guide with the NPS, Peace Corps volunteer, and Program Coordinator for and environmental ed. afterschool program. Receiving my CNAM from NATA was a pleasure. This course is part of the career ladder in my position so I will now be eligible for promotion. My team focuses on land preservation, management, stewardship, and public education. NATA was all encompassing and gave me both fundamental knowledge and veteran tips. Collaborating to Manage Ecosystems gave me some great ideas on how to work with local organizations to revamp a pollinator garden we have here at Emerson Pt. Preserve that was destroyed by Milton and Helene. I partnered with the local IFAS extension office, and over the past three months, WE have transformed the space into a beautiful, functional garden. It’s still a work in progress but I am so happy with how it is coming along. Getting to meet people across different agencies and learn about the work they were doing was a highlight for me and gave me some great contacts as well. I will recommend NATA to anyone in the field that wants to learn from area experts and hands on experience.
Kyle earned his Certificate in Natural Areas Management in May 2025.