Getting Involved with Nature and Wildlife Advocacy

2018 Piney Woods Submission

This journal and other traditional news and entertainment sources draw much of their readership from "baby boomers" or older Americans. Many seniors and retirees are involved in volunteer and charitable activities that make a huge difference to the quality of our social fabric. Taking knowledge, skills and capabilities that they developed over decades in their work lives, millions of seniors apply these now for service or charitable organizations serving diverse public interests.

My parents were good role models for volunteerism. My electrician father would team with others to help build ball parks for youth recreation programs. My mother was a hospital and health care volunteer for many of her later years. Their contributions were dwarfed though by other seniors who took even more critical roles in making their communities stronger and healthier.

There continue to be daunting social and environmental challenges today, but there are many volunteer options to help overcome some of these growing concerns. For those who love the great outdoors and our sporting paradise in this state, it's possible to enjoy our natural resources as we "give back" for the bounty that we have received over our lifetimes. I've profiled in recent years particular organizations that are trying to protect and improve the vitality of our natural environment. These have ranged from "Master Naturalist" and "Leave No Trace" programs to environmental education and recreational programs for youth. Just one example of community involvement has been the individuals described in a 2017 PWJ article who established and continue to improve the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Monroe.

National and state government funding for many long-term environmental goals and programs seems somewhat more constrained than previously, so volunteer and charitable contributions assume even greater importance. A first step could be identifying your particular outdoor passion or interest, knowledge, attributes, and skill set -- so as to be able to offer a more sustained and valuable contribution. The next step is doing a bit of research on area, state or national organizations that have particular environmental goals, activities and volunteer needs. Most folks, though, discover volunteer programs through chance, friends, or casual circumstance. Others, however, can be more proactive by actually exploring many opportunities in order to select an organization for which to spend their limited spare time and other contributions.

To provide at least a starting point for potential volunteers, here are just some of better-known national organizations that could benefit from your assistance and support: 1) The Nature Conservancy (a global conservation foundation since 1951); 2) The Sierra Club (environmental campaigns opposing land, air and water pollution since 1892); 3) Defenders of Wildlife (protection of critical wildlife habitat and dwindling wildlife species); 4) The National Wildlife Federation (planting of native trees and involvement in state wildlife plans and actions); 5) Waterkeepers Alliance (focus on the fight for clean water and waterways); 6) American Hiking Association (volunteer crews to build and improve hiking trails); 7) National Resources Defense Council (1.4 million members who use law and science to protect wild areas and habitat); 8) 350.org (international effort focused on fighting atmospheric pollution); and 9) The Xerces Society (pollinator and their habitat protection).

More assistance in identifying and selecting volunteer opportunities related to nature and environmental causes is available through online volunteer matching services, such as Volunteer Match (www.volunteermatch.org). Volunteer activities are a great way to meet and work together with people who share your own values and priorities.