Why I Volunteer For TNC

"To work with The Nature Conservancy is to be an artist on a very grand scale. We all can effect a positive change to the landscape of 'a few great places.' The earth is our canvas. Henry David Thoreau wrote, 'To carve and paint the very atmosphere and medium through which we look...that is the highest of arts.' It is joy to work with the great people of TNC and I think it is honorable to be a volunteer."
—Andrew Welch, Workday Volunteer

"Volunteering with The Nature Conservancy is always a remarkable experience - getting to slog through tick, poison ivy, briar infested wetlands under the guidance of knowledgeable, capable, efficacious women, who somehow through mud, sweat and biting insects, are able to convey the wonders of nature. Who, having shown by example an unflagging, prodigious work ethic, and after having been reminded it might be time for lunch, come up with refreshment and HOMEMADE COOKIES. What more could one ask?"
—Bill Reybold, Weed Watcher, Preserve Monitor, Boardwalk Handyman

"It makes me feel like I am doing something in a very personal way to help protect one small piece of the environment. If I can help teach others to appreciate the beauty around us, so much the better."
—Lou Horwitz, Land Monitor and Field Trip Leader

"There's something special about introducing others to enjoy the real objects of what they support. On one field trip, a teenager said she wanted to see what we did with her Mom and Dad's money. I told her, "Guess what! You're standing on a flower that only grows in this area. You guys help protect it." Her eyes lit up with that "Aha!" moment."
—Mike Hagebusch, Preserve Monitor and Field Trip Leader

"I had been out of work for a number of years due to health problems. I was looking for something to get me out of the house and gradually ease my way back into the workforce. I was/am extremely concerned about our environment, so I thought in addition to financially contributing to The Nature Conservancy, I would offer them help in their office. I had always been very shy, but the staff in the office was wonderful to work with and easy to talk to. A lot of the work was no-brainer work, like stuffing envelopes, but they also taught me some computer skills, which have come in handy now that I'm employed (at another environmental organization). I feel there are so many people acting to the detriment of the environment, that I need to do what I can to benefit the environment."
—Regina Holt, Office Volunteer Extraordinaire

"When I became a member of The Nature Conservancy, I knew its ideals and goals mirrored mine. I knew this was an organization for whom my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren, my great-great-grandchildren would be forever grateful. What I didn't realize was how rewarding and challenging the experience would be for me personally.

As a volunteer and preserve monitor, I have had ample opportunity to serve at some very interesting work-days. From hauling old, trashed TV's up a hill (to a dumpster) to discourage further trashing; to measuring the habitat limits of a rare plant. From crawling on hands and knees to pluck a noxious grass threatening a bog; to studying wetlands to better understand their function. From identifying wild flowers and their habitat; to identifying non-native invasives and ways to eradicate them.

The one constant has always been the presence of the MD/DC staff. They work shoulder to shoulder with you, laugh and groan with you, teach and learn with you. They are capable, knowledgeable, interesting and interested. On top of all that, they are just plain fun. I am pleased to call them my friends.

It continues to be a pleasure to volunteer with The Nature Conservancy and to work with the MD/DC staff. Thanks, folks, for the opportunities."

—Pat Groller, Preserve Monitor, Weed Watcher, and Field Trip Leader

"I volunteer for the The Nature Conservancy for two reasons:
1) To work for a great cause.
2) Inspiration from the staff.

The Nature Conservancy takes direct, effective action to preserve the web of life of which we are a small part. Helping, in even small ways, makes me feel great.

The Volunteer Coordinator has been amazingly and repeatedly creative in coming up with volunteer opportunities that match my interests, talents, and schedule, and are great fun. She has really made me feel a member of The Nature Conservancy family."

—John Allender, Cyber-Deputy