Celebrating Women’s History Month.
Carol Beck is one of the most significant figures in the history of Highlands Hammock State Park. Her long association with the Florida Park Service spans her work as a botanist from 1949 to 1971.
Carol Beck
Her career journey began at Purdue University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in botany. Arriving in Florida in 1934, she was initially involved with education and taught science for 10 years.
Carol Beck was a “boundary breaker.” She was the first female field employee and later became the first chief naturalist for the Florida Park Service, where she was instrumental in determining state park policies for interpretation and conservation.