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Volunteer Information

Oregon: Volunteer information - environmental volunteering in Oregon

Conservation Heroes: 2007 Volunteers of the Year

George Greer © Molly Sullivan/TNC, Dottie Waddell © Melissa Roy-Hart/TNC
Barb and Thor Wegner © Doug Kreuzer/TNC;
Nancy Menken © Molly Sullivan/TNC

Each year, we honor exceptional volunteers for efforts that significantly advance The Nature Conservancy's mission in Oregon. We are delighted to announce the 2007 Ray C.Davis Volunteer of the Year Award winners, Barb and Thor Wegner and Nancy Menken.

Barb and Thor Wegner love to be outside, enjoying the fresh air and exercising -- and the Conservancy's first-ever Oregon preserve is benefiting. Since 1998, they've dedicated over 2,300 hours to Camassia Natural Area in West Linn, regularly pulling invasive species, picking up litter and educating visitors. Often tackling the toughest infestations of English ivy, Himalayan blackberry and Scots broom, Barb and Thor are also trained to recognize the most troublesome potential invaders, helping to prevent future problems.

"Barbara and Thor's dedication to Camassia has helped reestablish a healthy preserve," said Jonathan Soll, Willamette Basin conservation director. "I deeply appreciate their ongoing removal of invasive plants and trash, always working with a smile and without supervision." Barb and Thor feel a deep responsibility to the environment. "This is our home," she said. "We don't like to sit by when it needs our help."

An avid birder and hiker, Nancy Menken has been volunteering with the Conservancy for more than two decades. Initially working in California, she's been helping to protect southwest Oregon's natural places since 1992. Over the years, she's collected, surveyed and planted native species, pulled invasives, fixed fences and more. But data collection is Nancy's true forte. Long days in the rain, cold and heat haven't slowed her accurate data recording on a palm top computer one bit.

"Nancy digs into any project with unending gusto and keen wit," said Molly Sullivan, southwest Oregon stewardship coordinator. "At 80, she's a true inspiration." Nancy's seen what a few weekly hours spent weed pulling or monitoring can accomplish. "You have to work at conservation bit by bit to make a difference," she said.

Congratulations and sincere thanks to Barb, Thor and Nancy. Without committed supporters like you, our successes would not be possible.