Spotlight on Wildlife Volunteers at CNC
Celebrating National Volunteer Week
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Week, we have been recognizing our volunteers and all of the great work that they do here. Today we wanted to highlight our volunteers in the wildlife department. More than 75 injured, non-releasable animals call CNC home. Our volunteers learn important skills and assist the wildlife department in providing for every aspect of these animals’ wellbeing. We interviewed some of our talented, hard-working volunteers to find out some fun facts about them and to learn why they volunteer.
Larry Stevens
Why did you join Chattahoochee Nature Center?
I joined the CNC to focus my life-long learning about and enjoyment of the wonders of the natural world.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Working with our CNC wildlife, making good friends, believing I am helpful, and sharing what I learn with our CNC visitors. A big bonus is getting occasionally to release animals our Wildlife team has rehabilitated.
What is your current occupation?
Retiree and part-time CNC naturalist
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people know?
I served as a U.S. Army counterintelligence agent in West Berlin.
I am a Universal Life Church minister and officiate weddings. In fact, I have officiated the nuptials of several CNC folks.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
My first concert was by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra when I was in elementary school, and I still attend ASO performances regularly. Also, I went to the Beatles concert when they came to Atlanta.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Sweet corn, raspberries, coquilles Saint-Jacques, and dark chocolate, plus a good white wine to go with the coquilles and a good red to go with the chocolate
Zelia Lebeau
Why did you join Chattahoochee Nature Center?
I wanted to work with hawks and owls. Then someone let me hold a snake and it was the neatest thing I had ever done. I called the next day and reminded the staff that they had had my application for quite some time and I asked when I could start.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Of course, working closely with the animals, but the camaraderie and friendships keep me coming back every Saturday I can.
What is your current occupation?
Computer technician
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people know?
I earned a purple belt in martial arts when I was in college
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Don’t laugh – Beatlemania
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Steak, baked potato, and salad.
Amanda Day
Why did you join Chattahoochee Nature Center?
To expand my knowledge of wildlife rehabilitation and medicine.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Feeling closer to nature and being able to assist in the welfare of our wildlife.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Britney Spears
Claire Mills
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I learn something new every day, and I get to be outside with cool people and animals
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people
I say the alphabet backwards faster than forward
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
The Osmond Brothers, but my 2nd concert was The Doobie Brothers