Steven McQuaide Tennis

Steven moved to Florida from upstate New York in the late 60s. Steve‘s love for the outdoors began early: camping, fishing, and hunting, first with his family and later through scouts’ outdoor programs.

Although Steven grew up in Key Biscayne, his relationship with the water began along the banks of the Atlantic near Jacksonville and the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Walton Beach.

Before accepting employment with the Everglades National Park system as a Hydrologist, Steve lived on a houseboat in Dinner Key anchorage, working in various fisheries-related jobs. In addition to owning, operating, and maintaining a shrimping trawler along the South Florida coast and the keys for many years, Steven managed a long line fishing operation and earned an Associate of Science degree from Miami-Dade College, apprenticed his way to Master Shipwright and raised a family.

During his tenure at the Everglades National Park, Steven has continued to use the skills he learned to earn his shipwright status. In any given week, Steven will visit one or more of the 100 hydrology stations he placed throughout the park by boat, airboat, and sometimes, helicopter.

Steven is a Motor Vessel Operator and Certification Course Instructor. In addition, he conducts water safety courses for Department of Interior personnel across the country.

Steve lives with his daughter and four dogs. His interests include bird watching, cooking, and archaeology. He has generously given his time to local civic and environmental groups where he has spoken on several topics, including the evident non-extinction of the ivory-billed woodpecker.