Volunteering at Kitty Todd is a Unique and Inspirational Experience

Kitty Todd volunteers - Susan Carty, Gary Haase, Jim Toppin and Cindy Warner
© K. York

Observed Volunteer Interactive Dynamics

Todd Pochadt comes a lot--do not try to read his name and pronounce it out loud at the same time. Ask Todd Crouch to correct your spelling if you do need to write the first Todd’s last name. At the workday, Todd will supply a little bit of Red Skelton-type remarks as needed.

Todd pulls brush pile.
Todd Pochadt pulls brush pile.
© K. York

Cindy Warner seems to think everything is ironic or a weird coincidence in a comic or silly kind of way.

Lynnette Titus will harmonize with Cindy in a continuous and unavoidable pestering of Gary. Lynnette might know all the answers so we wouldn’t actually need Gary, except for his personality, of course.

Gary Haase, really not volunteering, so we know why he is showing up, just continues to laugh and shrug at the torment from Cindy and Lynnette. I could recommend him for working in a mosquito swamp or black-fly muskeg, whatever. Yes, it’s true, Gary has buffed up working out at the gym. So he’s good at lugging things.

Jonathan Warner will do all serious lugging and tell us enthralling and possibly horrifying stories from his youth. No use trying to be more powerful than Jonathan.

Eric Stoner comes a lot and keeps his mouth shut. Manages to wear slightly different hat/glasses/neckerchief each time so I have a hard time figuring out it’s him.

Susan Carty--a good and generous cook, stick with her. Susan is a reference source for all my biological questions. She never asks me why I don’t know it already, but just feeds me the information as to the normal blank-slate. Contrary to the common misconception, Susan is not a vegetarian.

Joe Rathbun often shows up--but don’t tell anyone. He has the relaxed air of someone who has already figured out what’s going on.

Ed Masta - What’s with Ed? He lopes around fiddling with the bonfires and just making quirky observations. He is just steering his way through life, seeing how little of the boring cultural norm he can avoid and still stay alive. He has been off the path so long, it just wouldn’t be right to go back now.

Janet Traub drags brush to the pile.
© K. York

It’s fun being too hot or too cold, too wet or too thirsty, or too turbulent with a lot of other people. When we go home we say "Well, good workday. I think people had a good time!" "Yeah, so did I - good workday!" Why do I like volunteering with other people at Kitty Todd? Well, that’s just a little too hard to put my finger on.

—JANET TRAUB

THE SEASONS

Winter - the play season for volunteers. We have huge stacks of brush and logs and we burn them during our workdays to allow more sunlight in for the tender crops come spring. Nothing is better than a giant fire, or eight or nine. Jeremy from Bowling Green State University is effective in coercing clusters of grad students for bonfire duty. Its fun to see the different nationalities represented.

Spring - the chartreuse of untanned leaves and grass and pink little fluffy oak leaves. Walk through a meadow of Carex sedge with all its little prongs of yellow inflorescences, and you may just have to lie down right there. Chants and chuckles of frogs in their favorite seats make spring so thrilling after the winter monotones.

Summer - you do have to go through it after all, to get to fall. Why do volunteers show up and slog away? Well, I guess it’s the Toft’s ice cream Lynnette Titus keeps stocking in the freezer. I’m sure of it. Early summer is the right time to see a small blue butterfly and claim it was a Karner blue.

Fall - wandering around through the high grasses and throwing seeds in our bags. Setting-in plants in the perfect constellations planned by Gary Haase. Fall is the time to get a record number of tick trefoil stickers on your jeans! Please - not under the arms: the skin is so tender there. Do not offload your tick trefoils in the parking lot near the show garden. Lynette has figured out where all the tick trefoil plants are coming from. Is this over the limit for writing "tick trefoils" in one paragraph? Guess not.

—Janet Traub

Editor’s note: If you have yet to volunteer on a Saturday project day at the Kitty Todd Preserve, you are definitely missing a good time. Whether it is your first time volunteering, or you are in your 15th year, there always seems to be something special about each day. It may be the preserve, the task, the season, the camaraderie, or a combination of some or all of the above, each day has it’s own uniqueness. We wanted to hear the thoughts of a few volunteers on what makes the Kitty Todd Preserve, and the volunteer project days held there, so special. After introductory thoughts from Gary Haase (Kitty Todd Preserve Manager), these are the volunteers in their own words . . .

The people who volunteer at Kitty Todd are an indispensable part of the preserve. Without their many hours of help, the quality of the habitat would not be as good as it is. The many hours they spend pulling weeds, piling brush, collecting prairie seeds, and planting prairie plants have helped restore the preserve immensely and much of this work would not happen without their help.

I am always amazed that they are willing to work in sometimes terrible conditions, and to do work that is not always that much fun. Their dedication to helping the environment and to help make Kitty Todd the best it can be is always inspiring to me.

Many of our volunteers have been here 15 or more years and it makes me feel good to know that they care about the preserve as much as I do.

Thank you volunteers, and I look to more fun times with you on the preserve in the future.

—GARY HAASE

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
There is a sense of magic and a sense of peace at Kitty Todd; it’s like walking in the footsteps of our area’s natural history, and I sometimes wonder if Edwin Moseley, or Lou Campbell, or even Kitty Todd herself ever stopped at a particular place and admired the beauty that I’m so lucky to see now. Yet that beauty is surrounded by the threats that so many of our natural areas face - residential and corporate development, cultivation of aggressive non-native plants, and the draining of historically wet areas, often simply because people don’t know any better. And that’s the dilemma: even as we work to "protect" the preserve from those threats, we need to invite the public in (or go out to the public ourselves!), and get them to see that magic, take it home with them, and go on to make a difference. Otherwise these rare habitats will become so fragmented that their cumulative value is forever lost. I LOVE preparing promotional materials that help bring people to Kitty Todd Preserve. I LOVE talking with visitors once they’re here, and watching as they see the preserve for the first time. It is incredibly fulfilling.

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
Because of my schedule, I don’t usually get to see many other volunteers, but when we are together, we’re all such dedicated loons (pun intended) that our enthusiasm is a powerful force.

• Do you have a favorite spot in one of the preserves, and if so, why?
There are so many places, I can’t pick just one. I love the oak woodland for the red-headed woodpeckers that always seem to appear when I’m leading hikes and have someone who is just dying to see them. I love the sand barrens for the gasp of surprise that people emit when they see prickly pear cactus for the first time. I love the tallgrass prairie for the image of what it must have been like hundreds of years ago to see bison making their own trails through it. I love South Piels for the way it turns blue every spring, and how the blueness always hits me fresh when I make that curve north on the trail and see it again for the first time. I love the demo gardens and Bond Dune, because that’s what I was lucky enough to see from my desk for two years, and I miss it terribly. Returning to volunteer at Kitty Todd is like returning to visit an old friend.

• Do you have a favorite season on the preserve, and if so, why?
This is where I’m supposed to say that May is my favorite because the lupine is in bloom, but honestly (sorry Gary), I love autumn. On warm, rainy days the scent of sweetfern mixes with the smell of leaves as they fall. The big bluestem rustles in the slightest breeze. The Indian grass at sunset looks like it’s glowing. The asters and goldenrod—yes, dirt-common, most of them, but still beautiful - are the colors of royalty. And, more than any other time of year, in the fall there is a feeling of peace, of optimism, and of an acceptance of the upcoming sleep before the next awakening.

—KANDACE YORK

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
It is important to me to volunteer at Kitty Todd because (1) it is a beautiful and unique place and I want to see it preserved for my grandchildren and future generations; (2) I feel a sense of responsibility for the preservation of the land; (3) the preserve provides great habitat for birds and butterflies - something that is diminishing in our area as development continues at a rapid pace; (4) it is a special place to bird/butterfly - no pets, quiet, great diversity of birds/butterflies and unique habitat for birds/butterflies that are unfortunately declining in number.

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
Volunteering has provided me an opportunity to meet people that share my values and goals. I enjoy other volunteers and the knowledge they share with me.

• Do you have a favorite spot in one of the preserves, and if so, why?
I love the prairie areas - so many beautiful butterflies, interesting birds, and neat plants.

• Do you have a favorite season on the preserve, and if so, why?
My favorite season is summer because of the opportunity it provides to see great diversity in fauna and flora. Kitty Todd is special to me because of the way I feel when I am walking there. I experience a sense of calm, awe, humility, and excitement in learning.

—JAN DIXON

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
After my son’s death, I needed to reinvest in life by working for causes he would have supported had he grown up. Initially, I volunteered at Kitty Todd in his memory. But I continue to volunteer because of what Kitty Todd gives me. I find peace, laughter, camaraderie, and education here. I turned my focus from death to life. Kitty Todd’s Preserve Manager, Gary Haase, has a deep love and vast knowledge of the preserve and it’s infectious. Gary is a good teacher and he’s a lot of fun! I’m thrilled to take part in preserving the many rare native plants and animals of the Oak Openings Region by helping with stewardship projects.

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
Kitty Todd volunteers are awesome! I’ve learned so much from the other volunteers. Each work day is like a family reunion. To learn, to laugh, to feast, and to work with like-minded people is such an honor and a joy. I’m amazed by how much work we get done while laughing! Every rescued plant or little plug that thrives or dead invasive gives us such satisfaction. Over the years we’ve seen substantial benefits from our hard work.

• Do you have a favorite spot in one of the preserves, and if so, why?
For me, the most magical and healing spot at Kitty Todd is the highest point of the Cactus Loop Trail on Burial Dune. I find it healing, soothing, and energizing to gaze down over the short grass prairie particularly on a breezy day with a sea of little bluestem rustling and swaying. There is a palpable, positive energy on that spot that resonates in me. It’s a deep connection...a feeling of "home."

• Do you have a favorite season on the preserve, and if so, why?
Most definitely fall. The colors of the trees, shrubs and prairie grasses are incredible!

—LYNNETTE TITUS

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
I believe that the psychological and spiritual wellbeing of our world is dependent upon having places like the Kitty Todd Preserve. I feel blessed to be part of an effort to restore and maintain a natural area in our community that is a reminder of the wildness and beauty that once was, while offering a hint of the wildness and beauty that can still be. When I stand on a dune that is almost 13,000 years old and am reminded that a mile thick sheet of ice once covered this area, I am humbled by the immense forces that have created this land.

I love the feeling of openness at the Kitty Todd Preserve. It is one thing to have a backyard with a few plants, but to see a field of flowers and grasses spreading over dunes and across the land is truly a sight to behold.

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
I have seen the awe and wonder on the faces of many people when I have led walks at the preserve. I appreciate volunteering side by side with people who share similar values and ethics about ecology and conservation. In a world that seems to have lost its appreciation and understanding of the necessity of natural areas, it is refreshing to be with Gary, Kandace, and the volunteers of the Kitty Todd Preserve.

— RON BOUDOURIS

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
There are many time and financial requests from many worthwhile organizations. I made a decision to focus my time and financial resources on a few organizations. The Conservancy is one. I think their mission is paramount and their methods mostly sound. I have volunteered at other locations but Kitty Todd was "closest" (60 miles one way).

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
They are my family by choice. Many of us have been volunteering for a long time and we like each other, we have similar viewpoints about the importance of the environment (obviously, because we are all working to help it). When I am recruiting students to join me on workdays I tell them that creeps do not get up early Saturday mornings to do voluntary manual labor, all the people that come are nice.

• Do you have a favorite season on the preserve, and if so, why?
No, every season is beautiful in its own way.

• Any other thoughts on what makes Kitty Todd so special?
Primarily the camaraderie of the volunteers, we love talking to each other, we share food. We can see the changes we have made over time. Janet and Jim are great, Gary is great, Joe, Todd, Cindy, and so many other great folks.

—SUSAN CARTY

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
After volunteering more than 400 hours in more than 5 years, the Kitty Todd preserve to me feels like home away from home for three seasons of the year. During the winter season, I start going through withdrawal symptoms! So on cold winter weekends, you bet I’m out at the preserve for the brush pile burns!

• Do you have a favorite season on the preserve, and if so, why?
I have a hard time picking a favorite time of year or a favorite spot at Kitty Todd.

• Do you have a favorite spot in one of the preserves, and if so, why?
A relatively new area of the preserve, the "Hog Farm" is a great place to take kids and adults. The "Hog Farm" is actually a restored wetland. Prior to Conservancy purchase, the property was a hog farm. The Conservancy received a grant to restore the area to a wet prairie. During one work day, volunteers dug out what seemed like thousands of bread bags that were used to feed the hogs! As a result of one spot being graded a little deeper, a pool of water remains through most of the year. During one visit to the area, I was surprised by squeaking Green Frogs jumping into and skipping like rocks across the pool! The pool was teaming with frogs and tadpoles. After that visit, I couldn’t resist leading more walks to the "Hog Farm" to show off the frogs, as well as the spectacular plant life. After restoration, several Ohio listed plants grew naturally from the seed beds exposed by the scraping: large populations of the tiny carnivorous Spatulate-Leaved Sundew, Atlantic Blue-Eyed Grass, Twisted Yellow-Eyed Grass, among other colorful plants are found.

• What do you like about volunteering at Kitty Todd?
One of the reasons I have become so involved at the Kitty Todd preserve is because of the uniqueness of the Oak Openings habitat and the great diversity of species. I live in the Oak Openings Region and my house was built on a natural sand dune. Some of the Ohio listed plants are found in my front yard. Volunteering at Kitty Todd has been a great way to learn about the native plants, invasive species (like buckthorn), and management practices needed to preserve the habitat (too bad I can’t burn my little preserve!).

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
I am not a person who tends to want to lead walks or talk to the public. However, I have really enjoyed leading the walks at Kitty Todd, selling the Oak Opening Native plants, and otherwise talking to the public about the Oak Openings Region, and about the Kitty Todd Preserve. Working with the other volunteers is also great fun - many of them are so knowledgeable about plants, insects, spiders, mushrooms, butterflies, etc.

• Any other thoughts on what makes Kitty Todd so special?
The Kitty Todd preserve is special because it is the best preserved and maintained part of the Oak Openings Region – thanks to dedicated volunteers and past and present Preserve Managers. Because of the great habitat, Kitty Todd has been host to several scientific studies. To name a few that I know of: an ant study, a beetle study, a Karner Blue Butterfly dissertation project, a wasp study, and a Sundew study. And, as many know, the Preserve is the first area in the region for the successful reintroduction of the federally endangered Karner Blue Butterfly.

• Do you have a favorite season on the preserve, and if so, why?
The Kitty Todd preserve is a great place to visit or volunteer at during all times of the year. A great time to visit is during the Blue Weekend event in late May. The event features great walks, great speakers, and blue food!

—CINDY WARNER

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
I live in the Oak Openings region and I feel that it is necessary to save my own back yard. Not many people realize what we have right here in our own backyard, the diversity of plants and animals that are not found anywhere else. If we don’t save this for future generations, for our children and grandchildren, all they will have are the photos and descriptions that we leave.

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
It is great to get the opinions and ideas of others who are also interested in the environment. This is our environment; it is right here in our back yard, not half way around the world. Here you can do something hands on to save the environment, and the volunteers realize this.

• Do you have a favorite spot in one of the preserves, and if so, why?
The whole area is special to me. There is so much diversity that every time I work on the preserve, there is something new to see.

• Do you have a favorite season on the preserve, and if so, why?
Every season has its attractions.

• Any other thoughts on what makes Kitty Todd so special?
What makes it so special is its diversity, found nowhere else. What a rare and beautiful area we have right here, and people only see this area as something to be developed, to them it is all about the dollars, take the dollars away and the area will revert back to nature.

—MIKE NOWOWIEJSKI

• Any thoughts on what makes Kitty Todd so special?
I first discovered the Kitty Todd preserve in 1998. Only 20 minutes from my home, I got hooked on its understated beauty. If I had just an hour or two of free time when the preserve was open, I’d be there, if only to walk through it for half an hour. What a great place! Walk though the widely separated oaks of the savanna with wild lupine at your feet. Stand on an ancient sand dune and look down over the acres of tall wildflowers and grasses bending in concert with the wind. Lay prostrate on the ground in awe of a minute carnivorous Sundew plant. There is simply no place quite like it in the world. I take a special interest in the wildflowers, no matter what time of the growing season.

• What do you like about volunteering with other Kitty Todd volunteers?
I started volunteering because I wanted to learn more and have a better appreciation for what it takes to preserve this place. The Kitty Todd preserve attracted me, but it’s the people who care for it that have kept me coming back. Knowledgeable, intelligent, unselfish people have made it a fun activity that I look forward to every month. There is the subtle competition to get the best shaded parking space in the morning. Gary (the preserve manager) is so gracious to tolerate the ribbing the volunteers give him while we are working on the prairie. Eating lunch together is like a feast, everyone usually brings some food item to share. The companionship is great. Most of the work is enjoyable, like planting, seed collection, and weed pulling. Some work is not so glamorous, like picking up garbage - better known for its scientific name: Humanus Leftoverus.

• Why is it important to you to volunteer for the Conservancy at Kitty Todd?
Let’s face it; nature alone cannot preserve the species at Kitty Todd. It’s a very BIG garden that requires a lot of care. Its well worth it, I think. I want the plants and animals to be seen for generations to come. If we lose special places like Kitty Todd, then humanity loses a little bit more of its soul. We would miss it if it disappeared. It’s not just a nature preserve, it’s a human preserve. For me, it’s a memorable experience that no one can ever take from me. You may call it volunteering. I call it a privilege.

—TODD POCHADT

The wonderful variety is what makes the Kitty Todd Preserve so special. There are so many different kinds of living things around there. It is all endlessly interesting to look at. The closer you look, the more amazing it is. Seeing the diversity increase from year to year is a particular pleasure. There is always something to look forward to!

—JIM TOPPIN