Volunteer Spotlight – February 2020:
Alan Ventura – Trail Monitor @ Peabody Conservation Area in Lunenburg
New in 2019, we began an official “Trail Monitor” position. In that position, the monitor is responsible for walking each of the trails at one of NCLT’s conservation areas. They report back on trail conditions, alert us if there’s anything NCLT should be aware of, and help maintain those trails with us, if they wish. Alan was a friend of Lisa (NCLT’s Outreach & Engagement Cooridinator) and heard about the new opportunity. He quickly found that it was a great fit for him! Read below to find out a little more about Alan. We are so happy to have him as a volunteer! THANK YOU, ALAN!
NCLT: Why did you start looking for a volunteer opportunity?
AV: Basically, I was retired was looking for something to do! I’ve always liked being active and outdoors and when this opportunity presented itself (Thanks again Lisa!) it was perfect for me.
NCLT: Why North County Land Trust?
AV: Honestly, I didn’t know anything about the organization until I head about the volunteer position. Since then, I’ve attended the annual gathering and visited a couple of the other properties and read more about NCLT and it’s goals. Everyone I’ve met who is affiliated with NCLT has been great, and I very much support keeping open spaces open!
NCLT: What do you love about the work you’re doing for us?
AV: Monitoring the Peabody area is a great way to give a little back to the community. I’ve met some nice folks on the trails and enjoy the responsibility of keeping the trails open and clear for people to enjoy. I’ve also brought several friends out to the Peabody and they all love it.
NCLT: If you could spend more time doing 1 thing what would that be?
AV: Well, that’s actually a hard one. I’m involved in a lot of different activities from music to sports to motorcycling and now I’ve added babysitter to the list; I watch my new grandson a couple days a week for my daughter and her husband! But really, anytime I get to spend outdoors is wonderful.
NCLT: Is there an experience you’ve had that you wish all people could have?
AV: Wow, another hard one. I’d have to say that hiking the Grand Canyon with my two brothers in law, my son and my nephew is certainly an experience that more people might enjoy. We hiked the Bright Angel trail from the south rim all the way to Phantom Ranch, and then back again after an overnight. We learned that less than 5% of the visitors to the canyon explore more than the rim trails. There’s nothing like watching the sun rise from the bottom, standing next to the Colorado river.
NCLT: Do you have a favorite quote/book/poem? What is it?
AV: Hmmm, I honestly don’t. I love to read and have a rather eclectic mix of books I enjoy from science fiction (Peter F. Hamilton is one my favorites) to historical adventure like the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian. (They made a film that combined parts of several of the novels called “Master and Commander – The Far Side of the World). I’ve also read just about everything that Stephen King has written…
Thank you again, Alan, for your great contribution to North County Land Trust!
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!