John Kiseda granted Lifetime Membership in FL SEE!

Nancy MacPhee

After 24 year of dedicated service to Lee County Parks & Recreation and 15 years as the  Executive Director of Florida SEE, John Kiseda has retired. His contributions to the development of Lee County as an ecotourism destination are numerous. He was instrumental in the planning and opening both the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and Lee County Manatee Park as well as their volunteer interpretive training programs which still exist today. He brought the National Association for Interpretation's Certified Interpretive Guide program to Lee County, from which many area naturalists have benefitted. He partnered with Fl Master Naturalist Program and was the driving force  founder of Florida SEE almost 16 years ago.

His relentless dedication and passion has resulted in what Florida SEE is today. A goal of John's was for Florida SEE to have presence in every region of Florida and we've made great strides over the course of the past year. We are launching new efforts in Gainesville and have recent interest from friends in the Panhandle area! WE will get there John!

Through his work as an educator John Kiseda has touched many with his passionate commitment by fostering 'living lightly' behaviors in all of us. I feel lucky to have known and worked alongside John for many of his years in Lee County and consider him a mentor and friend. He will be missed.

While no token can express our true appreciation for all the time he has dedicated, the Florida SEE Board of Directors has granted John Kiseda a lifetime membership to Florida Society of Ethical Ecotourism. Please congratulate and thank John next time you see him!