Volunteers

Volunteer Testimonials

• “Volunteering for this [outdoor education) program definitely took me out of my comfort zone, but gave me a sense of satisfaction in reaching young minds and spirits through nature. It is as rewarding to me as hopefully it is to the kids and I know to the teachers. Keep this program rolling!!” (Kyle Bierly)

• "I got involved as a volunteer several years ago to make a difference on the trail. The trail is such a great asset to our community and I wanted to do my part to maintain and improve it. The most gratifying thing about being a trail volunteer is seeing the transformation of the trail in the last couple of years. We have been able to make so many improvements with the group of volunteers we have. It’s also very gratifying when you’re working on the trail and trail users stop and thank you for your work." (Tom McCready)

• “Nature journaling with Malabar students is a wonderful opportunity to live fully in the present moment, while impacting the future. I am looking forward to Tuesday mornings with these eager, engaged and responsive young people.” (Joyce Adair)

• “I was a bit nervous at first, but the [outdoor education] program is very organized and directions easy to follow. I enjoyed working with the kids and learned that we are never too old to learn new things!!!” (Ruthie Good)

• "I recognized what a wonderful asset the B.&O. Trail is when I started running it with the parkrun group every Saturday morning and realized it required work to keep it in good condition. It is my pleasure to work for the community that appreciates and uses this great trail." (Wes Miller)

• "After retirement, to my surprise, I found myself using the B&O 2-3 times a week, weather permitting, and becoming a member of the B&O regulars. Becoming a volunteer enabled me to give something back to the community while also improving trail conditions, thus improving my time spent enjoying the trail. It's important to me to be outdoors, getting exercise and also staying engaged. The B&O trail provides a safe and fun way to to do this. Being a volunteer and also an avid rider really gives me a sense of community. The more time I spend on the trail the more I feel a part of the B&O community, thus the more friends that I have. I've met some great people on the trail both riding and especially volunteering. Volunteering gives me a sense of helping to improve an important part of our community...being part of the solution. The volunteers really get along and allows everyone to chip in the best they can, where they can, when they can. Flexibility is the key. Mike Solon is simply great at managing the resources that he has without overburdening the volunteers." Doug Kempf