Volunteer Spotlight-March 2020
Ken Schafer – Trail Steward
Ken has been a regular volunteer with North County Land Trust for several years. He has helped us clear new trails, maintain existing ones, prep sites and build bridges and clear downed trees. For the last year he has been the Crocker Conservation Area Monitor, walking all the trails on a regular basis, reporting back on their condition, doing light trail work and giving directions to folks on the trail for the first time. Thanks for everything you do, Ken!
Read below to learn out more about Ken.
NCLT: Why did you start looking for a volunteer opportunity?
KS: I’ve become increasingly concerned about the environment. Because of my concerns, I was looking for opportunities to help out local conservation groups, and NCLT was a perfect fit.
NCLT: Why North County Land Trust?
KS: North County Land Trust is local to my area, and its mission is one that I fully appreciate and support. As I’ve learned more about NCLT and how it fits into the ecosystem of conservation-related organizations, my enthusiasm for volunteering with NCLT has only grown stronger.
NCLT: What do you love about the work you’re doing for us?
KS: I love knowing that I’m a small part of an organization that is doing something that matters. The fact that I can help out and wander around in the forest at the same time is a real bonus.
NCLT: If you could spend more time doing one thing, what would that be?
KS: I would spend more time learning to identify plants, mushrooms, and birds.
NCLT: Is there an experience you’ve had that you wish all people could have?
KS: I started learning plant identification one winter a few years ago. That spring, I felt like I was seeing the world through a new set of eyes. It was a pretty amazing experience for me, but I drove my family crazy because I was constantly stopping to look at plants and trees.
NCLT: Do you have a favorite quote/book/poem? What is it?
KS: “Not all those who wander are lost.” ~ J. R. R. Tolkien
If you are interested in volunteering with NCLT, please let us know by visiting our volunteer page and filling out the form. We look forward to hearing from you!