Volunteering in Northeast Ohio: Special for Many Reasons

by Karen Adair, Northeast Ohio Land Steward

One part buckthorn, two parts concern, three parts committed volunteers, four parts laughter. These are the ingredients that make up a volunteer work day.

On almost any given Saturday of the year, there are volunteers working in Northeast Ohio. Some may only volunteer once or twice, and we are grateful for their help and hope they have taken something away from their experience with us. Others have been working for years to over a decade, and their contributions go far beyond their physical effort. They are the backbone of our efforts to conserve the land we have protected.

The word, core, is defined as the central or most important part; the essence. I believe there could be no better word to describe the dedicated volunteers of Northeast Ohio. When I asked these core volunteers to answer a few questions about why they like to volunteer in Northeast Ohio, I had no idea the responses I would receive. I was reminded that within each volunteer, there is a unique and powerful force that drives their loyalty and effort. That each work day is much more than killing garlic mustard or phragmites, it is about each person’s desire to make a difference, enjoy nature, laugh, share common interests, and be among friends.

I feel fortunate to know these people and work alongside of them, and am so glad that their words will be read by many.

Dan Buehler
Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy in NEOH?
I feel strongly that part of person’s time should be donated back to a non profit organization whose mission is to make the world a better place. The mission of TNC aligns closely with my personal beliefs, therefore, I enjoy this kind of work. At the end of the day, I feel a lot of gratitude and satisfaction that I did my part to make this place a little better. There is nothing I enjoy more than working with my hands, surrounded by nature, doing some good for the preserve.

What do you like about volunteering with other NEOH volunteers?
The other volunteers share in my passion to help out the places we work. They are a caring, easy going group who are fun to be around. The land steward and crew chief works at a pace everyone is comfortable with and is always very appreciative of everyone’s help. I often think of how many people live within driving distance of these preserve and compared this to the number who show up to help out for the day. This reinforces how dedicated and special these bunch of volunteers really are who show up knowing beforehand they are going to get dirty, wet, and cold at the job.

Do you have a favorite spot in one of the preserves, and if so, why?
The area, located in White Pine Bog, is through the old growth pine trees at it’s furthers corner of the preserve.  Certain solitude is present that is very satisfying. Surrounded by tamarack and pine trees along with water, plus knowing that an eagle’s nest is not too far away, makes for a nice feeling.

Chuck Fletcher
I think it's important to volunteer because, when I look around elsewhere, I see all the weeds I used to think belonged there.  In our preserves I see what was there before.  It's very different and, sadly, unique.  Normal shouldn't be unique.  It's a lot of fun to share this with people who think so too.  My favorite place (currently) is on a hill east of the White Pine Bog.  One evening, I watched turkeys flapping through the pines looking for a good spot to roost.  They were silhouetted against the moon.

Amy Holtshouse
Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy in NEOH?
At first I simply volunteered for TNC because I had a great time playing outside and making a difference on the preserves.  After a number of years volunteering at preserves around Ohio I settled in Northeast Ohio and at Morgan Swamp.  I now have a love affair with this soggy piece of property!  I love to see the changes over the years - or weeks or months when the beaver are being ambitious!  As a volunteer and amateur naturalist it is especially rewarding to see areas that had previously been choked with buckthorn and Phragmites exhibit a more diverse community once we have treated these areas! 

What do you like about volunteering with other NEOH volunteers?
It is always amazing to see the level of dedication from the volunteers - they are always up for anything even if that includes getting REALLY wet and muddy! 

Do you have a favorite spot in one of the preserves, and if so, why?
I probably have three favorite spots at Morgan Swamp:
1) The relatively new beaver dam at the north end of the long pond.  Beaver started this dam about the same time I started volunteering at Morgan (mid 2002) and it has been really interesting to see this area evolve.
2) The ever shrinking patches of Phragmites on "Pond 3"!  Many volunteer hours have really started to see some rewards in the fight against Phrag!
3) A great pond with huge Sphagnum mounds that I found with Jennifer Hillmer during a summer rainstorm and have never been able to find again!  Next time I find it - I will definitely be noting it with the GPS unit so I can show off this gem of a spot!

Northeast Ohio volunteers break for lunch © File photo

Carl Koniar
Volunteer stewardship with The Nature Conservancy has always been a positive & educational experience. Never a dull moment!! Every time I visit a preserve, I see, hear, touch, smell, or learn something new. I have met a diverse group of good, positive people. Sometimes we work hard, sometimes we play, but unlike a stressful job, this is a way for me to relieve stress. I guess that’s part of Nature - the way things were meant to be.

Northeast Ohio Volunteers Take a Break for a Picture After Cutting Some Cattails ©File photo

Alice Morrow
I like picnicking in the winter, no insects. Sitting in the snow in January sipping hot soup is WONDERFUL!!

I like the socializing with other outdoor nuts and no bath or clean clothes are required. My boots usually smell of horse manure and no one has complained. They all have a great sense of humor, essential for what we put up with.

New spring growth is a real pleasure. Spring flowers sprouting & blooming make me to believe I have survived yet another winter (over 60 of them so far).

Struggling through knee-high snow or slogging through mud is not so fun. I don't care for the herbicide application. And I don't like falling in the bog (especially in cold weather). But clearing out invasive growth so that natives can flourish is rewarding.

Mostly I just like putzing around outside.

Sandy Smith
Volunteering in Northeast Ohio Builds Character I’ve often said Marv and I go to Strait Creek and Kitty Todd because it gives "instant gratification". Cut down a "few" trees and burn the brush and a prairie comes out of hiding to be enjoyed for years to come.

We volunteer in Northeast Ohio to help build our character. Cutting buckthorn, dealing with garlic mustard, the wet and the mud of bogs. You see results slowly but the satisfaction of a day of good old fashion hard work and good times with fellow volunteers makes it all worth the effort.

Gene Wimmer
It may not seem to be the best investment of time to visit places that few people would venture or contribute in activities that few people would consider.  But, at the end of the day, I feel rewarded for working along side those few people that share the mutual goal of preserving the places we treasure.

As for favorite spots - I haven't yet discovered all the spots in order to make a decision.  That's part of the fun - looking for the spots!

Steve Zakem
I believe it’s important to volunteer and contribute in Ohio to bring attention to the fact that we have important "ecosystems" and areas to save here at home. In the national magazines, areas in Alaska, the Everglades, areas out west get attention. And they’re important. But areas in Ohio are also important - to both save threatened areas and species that are unique to Ohio and for the "quality of life" of those of us that live here.

It is these last great places that inspire us and bring the best out of so many. Ultimately, we have the glaciers to thank, whose retreat thousands of years ago left behind depressions and deposits that have created these fascinating wetland systems. I feel that all of us, who work on these preserves, are fortunate to have contributed to the ongoing process of life and diversity and change.

To anyone who has never been to one of our preserves in Northeast Ohio, I encourage you to come out and join us. For each person it is a different experience. For me, it is being around a group of people that have become like family. It is the challenge of enjoying all of the complexity of Morgan Swamp without getting lost (this has yet to be done!). It is about being greeted at Herrick Fen by Angelica and Tamaracks that stand tall along the boardwalk, and the Sundews that remain hidden unless you know their secret location. It is the carpets of Skunk Cabbage and Cinnamon Ferns that creep alongside the pines at White Pine Bog. It is making your way through the muck and endless maze of shrubs at Flatiron Lake Bog to finally find yourself staring at the dark and mysterious water of the bog. It is about knowing that we have played a part in protecting all of this beauty.