Nouvelles

Introduction by Brooke Russell, Volunteer and Engagement Coordinator

Shari is a shining example of what powers our volunteer program, and we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on her! Whether she’s watching for manatees during a shift with the Manatee Observer Program or delivering manatee presentations for schools across the United States, Shari encapsulates the spirit of Save the Manatee Club, and we hope that her story inspires future volunteers to make a difference in their own way.

What inspired you to start volunteering with Save the Manatee Club?

I grew up in South Florida as Save the Manatee Club (SMC) was getting started so the message of SMC seems like it was always part of my life. When Blue Spring State Park (BSSP) and SMC first announced the Manatee Observer (MO) program, I wanted to be involved in any way I could, to help protect these amazing animals and help other people love them as much as I always did, and of course, still do.

Do you have an adopted manatee? If so, who is it and why did you choose them?

We have adopted many manatees through the years, I enjoy giving them as gifts as well so lots of friends and family have gotten them. I have always had a special place in my heart for Buckeye* since he had recently been released when I first started as a Manatee Observer and we spent a lot of time together. It was fun to watch him, and his release-mate Cassie*, learning to be wild manatees and see him grow up. He was so curious and would always come and sniff the kayak and say hello when I was volunteering.

*Note: Buckeye and Cassie are not in the adoption program.

Do you have a favorite memory or experience while volunteering?

There are a lot of amazing stories but one of my favorites happened with Annie. It’s exciting to see her with another new calf. This happened several years ago, after another of her calves was born, I was in the MO kayak when she came into the preserve area at BSSP. Buckeye, who’s another favorite of mine, was with her along with another juvenile manatee. Annie’s calf was investigating me and swam a little too close to the kayak, so Annie swam underneath my boat, rolled onto her back and grabbed the kayak with her flippers. She gave me a little wiggle, then let go and swam out in front of me and gave me a big wet exhale. It was so funny. I knew I wasn’t in any danger. She was letting me know not to get too close to the calf, even though it was the calf who was getting close to me. There were park guests on the boardwalk watching the thing and one woman even got some great pictures she was kind enough to share with me.

What’s one surprising or interesting thing you’ve learned while volunteering with us?

It’s so exciting to see how many schools ask for manatee presentations each year. That has been a wonderful thing to be part of as well! I have enjoyed working with quite a few teachers for several years now. There are schools all over who have asked for presentations, including in Ohio and Massachusetts. The kids in Ohio were so excited to learn about our Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership affiliation with the wonderful organizations right in their state! And during COVID, I even had the opportunity to do a manatee presentation for a school in Alaska!

Tell us a little about yourself: your background, hobbies, or anything you’d like to share

I love being on the water. My husband and I are avid kayakers and we love taking people out to go paddling with us. We’ve got grown kids and we work for ourselves so it’s often easier to get out on the water during the week when it’s less crowded. I love my work as a hypnotherapist, a grief educator and medium and I love that it gives me the opportunity to volunteer and be part of great programs like SMC and the MO program at BSSP.