Returning the Favor
Long ago, I wrote a small check in support of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). I liked their mission. An at-risk element of ecological sensitivity was behind each acre they secured. Other conservation organizations were maniacally zealous about preserving land – any land – and that’s not the kind of conservationist I am. In 2007, my support of TNC became more tangible. I volunteered to do some photo monitoring at Ogden’s Cave – the closest preserves to my home. I made a few trips to this cool property in my role as monitor and instantly fell in love with it. However, shortly after I became involved, the cave was turned over to the State of Virginia’s Department of Conservation, meaning my volunteer efforts and love affair came to an end. A few months ago, I received an email from TNC looking for volunteer Preserve Monitors. Basically, they need caring people to visit preserves, perform minor trail maintenance, and report their finding...