On several different occasions while hoofing it along a public trail, be it a Finger Lakes System or off-season snowmobile one, I’ve encountered others who complained that there was a fallen tree or large branch across a portion of the trail they’d just been on. I wondered if they realized how the vast majority of the trails we enjoy are kept so easily navigable for us? Certainly emerging new growth occurs, trees and branches fall from time to time, and wherever that occurs, they would simply remain there, were it not for the volunteers who keep these trails open.
The same goes for many enjoyable outdoor activities we partake in. Have you ever stopped and considered that government services only go so far in keeping our outdoor opportunities the way we like them? And with government cutting back on programs and personnel, the quality of many of our outdoor activities would erode rapidly were it not for volunteers.
With the April 1 trout fishing opener approaching, I wonder how many people grasp the fact that volunteers help the DEC annually stock the hatchery-reared trout we later catch from our streams, rivers, and lakes? Organizations such as Tout Unlimited, the County Sportsmen’s Federation and other volunteers lug buckets of trout from the hatchery trucks and then disperse them in our waters, free of charge. Otherwise, how else would those trout get from our hatcheries to where we fish?
I recall one of stocking sessions when a bunch of Boy Scouts were helping us stock. Watching these youngsters, two to each pail, carrying fish to the stream and dumping them in, gave us all pause to smile. Then the moment was tarnished when I asked one of the adults hovering nearby, rod in hand, if he wanted to give us a hand? His answer: “I’m here to take ‘em out, not put ‘em in.” What a great example to the kids.
As chair of the county’s Environmental Management Council (www.ccemc.org ), I have had the pleasure of watching these volunteers remove trash and litter each year during the River Clean-up Day. They also police litter from the Route 12 rest area in North Norwich, and annually handed out thousands of free tree and shrub seedlings at Rogers Center’s Annual May Fest in Sherburne. All on their own time.
And those who hunt game with a gun or enjoy target shooting probably think that right is guaranteed by the Constitution, but without the ongoing work of volunteers from sportsmen’s and sport shooting organizations, the NRA and the volunteers that host the very popular Friends of the NRA banquets, like the one being held here in Norwich on May 20, 2011, we likely would’ve been disarmed years ago by the ongoing attempts of those who’d like to see all law-abiding citizens banned from firearms ownership.
Why do people volunteer? If you don’t know the answer to that, then you’ve probably never volunteered. Simply put, it’s because they feel sufficiently strong on a project or effort to get involved and get it done. Being a capitalistic society, especially during a time of economic recession, it’s rather easy to beg off by saying we don’t have the time or monetary ability to donate our free time. And some might claim that it’s the government’s responsibility because of the taxpayers’ dollars we “contribute.” All well and good, but giving ever more power to our government is moving us in the wrong direction. It’s already involved in almost every phase of our lives. Maybe volunteering may not quite equate with the full independence our forefathers envisioned for us, but it certainly feels satisfying to do something that others can also benefit from, even when they don’t know they’re your recipient.
Another, less considered benefit of volunteering is the potential to learn more about whatever project subject is involved. Since those leading volunteer groups are often knowledgeable in the various aspects involved, you can tap in to that knowledge resource. This is especially true in many outdoor and environmental projects. Of course there are so many options for being involved in your community, through professional associations, neighborhood organizations, arts and historic organizations and social services.
Lastly, there are real health benefits, both physical and mental, to volunteering. It keeps you physically active, allows you to network with others, thereby expanding your knowledge base, and develops new friendships and contacts. Whether you’re retired or are just looking for something worthwhile to help fill in some free time, it won’t pay you back in money, but some things, like self-satisfaction just can’t be bought.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day – everyone can “volunteer” to be Irish today.

National Outdoor Writers Conference Coming to New York State
The 1,200-member Outdoor Writers Association of America (OWAA) announced the location for their 2013 conference will be Lake Placid, N.Y., home of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympic Games. The conference will be Sept. 14-16, 2013.

New York State Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame To Induct Eight
Inductees will be honored at the annual banquet on April 30, 2011. Guests and interested sportsmen are encouraged to attend. Information or reservations are available by calling 315-363-3896 by April 23. In addition to honoring sportsmen and women for preserving or enhancing our outdoor heritage, the NYS Outdoorsmen Hall of Fame is involved in many other educational activities including seminars, fishing clinics, and youth programs. Check the web site (www.nysohof.org) for more information.