Featured Volunteer

One member of Western Wildlife Corridor, Tom Malone, has been filling his time volunteering to restore habitat at our preserves. Tom has been a member and volunteer for several years and can often be found weed whacking the Kirby trails, helping out at midweek hikes and Saturday projects, as well as taking pictures at educational events.

In 2020, we began the Savannah Restoration Project and cleared several trees with the goal of increasing habitat diversity at the Kirby Nature Preserve. This project has highlighted the open woodland that is often overlooked. With the large trees now cleared, there were several smaller branches and piles of sticks left on the savannah. At first, the volunteers from midweek hikes were clearing the large debris, but as the pandemic continued Tom told me that he found a certain solitude going out and clearing the ground area. With the intent to help and an appreciation for having access to nature, Tom managed to clear practically the entire area by himself. He explained his time as being peaceful on the side of the hill and a fun workout as he dragged the branches from the slope to the prairie. Tom says that he is grateful to be able to continue to volunteer throughout the pandemic and is grateful to be involved in something greater than himself.

It is the work of volunteers like Tom Malone that has given hope to younger generations, such as me. Their actions have showed us the importance of stewardship and equal access to nature. Thank you, Tom, your efforts are an inspiration!