What Do Our Volunteers Think About Wilton Wildlife?
By: Winter 2024 Intern Lauren Conneally ~ January 18, 2024
Wilton Wildlife aims to maintain the balance of people and habitat. The objective of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is to provide opportunities for environmental education and outdoor recreation while supporting the conservation of ecological systems and natural settings. Here at Wilton Wildlife, we are so lucky to be surrounded by a community that is filled with many eager and wonderful volunteers.
As a non-profit organization with a limited staff, volunteers are essential to our success. This assistance allows us to have a stronger impact on the local community and the environment. Volunteer efforts help with our mission of conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. Some of the volunteer work includes helping with public programs, events, and school field trips, as well as being the caboose on hikes and assisting with trail maintenance.
Generally, our volunteers are motivated individuals looking for opportunities to get involved outdoors. Many volunteers feel a strong sense of belonging here, and enjoy meeting new people who share similar passions and values. One of our active volunteers, Larry Dana, says that he loves “the opportunity to work with people who not only share his values, but often serve as role models”. Some of our volunteers also enjoy being trail stewards. This gives them the opportunity to get outside and walk the trails, then report the current conditions of the trails, and any issues they might have noticed while hiking to our landowners. If a volunteer thinks of a new way to volunteer at the preserve, we appreciate any talent/skill they may have! One of our volunteers, Bob Reepmeyer, said that he’s the guy who is “happy to help with firewood, fixing a loose hinge or being the caboose on a hike”. Additionally, volunteers enjoy learning new things when helping with public programs. New volunteer Lisa Cohen said that she “instantly got to feel like a student again, learning about different environments”.
Getting involved here at Wilton Wildlife can provide new fun and fulfilling ways to spend your time. As stated by longtime volunteer David Matteson, “If you like to see birds, animals, insects, flowers, or trees, you can do this while helping others enjoy the environment here.” Volunteer Astronomy Coordinator Howard Lester says “There’s always something for everyone, and just showing up and finding ways to be among the other volunteers may give you the same joy of camaraderie that I have found.” Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is truly a A Preserve for Nature and a Park for People Like You!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for 2024 please reach out to our Public Program Coordinator Victoria Spadaro at wiltonpreserve.org. We would be happy to match you with a volunteer position that fits your interests.
