2024 Volunteer of the Year

Volunteering for Washtenaw County Conservation District is not just a hobby for Maren—it’s a calling. Her involvement with the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) began two years ago when she attended an event focused on eradicating buckthorn at Red Bud Park. After receiving an email about tree sales and feeling passionate about promoting the greening of spaces, especially for people living in places where planting isn’t an option, Maren eagerly signed up to volunteer. Her story is one of environmental passion, personal growth, and a deep connection to the natural world.

Growing up on a farm in Idaho, Maren’s appreciation for the environment was cultivated early on. Raised in the high deserts and wide-open skies, she learned the value of understanding where her food came from and how it reached the table. This early connection to the land helped shape Maren’s environmental mindset and gave her a sense of peace and purpose rooted in the natural world. After moving to Washington State for her college education, her interest in nature deepened. She developed a love for activities like forest bathing, a practice she embraced long before it became mainstream. For Maren, nature isn’t just a place—it’s a sanctuary where she finds clarity, inspiration, and joy. When she’s not volunteering, she can be found playing her ukulele, reading, gardening, or enjoying the company of her two cats.

Maren has been an integral part of WCCD's programs, particularly its tree sales. She enthusiastically participates in the sale planting aid prep days, where she can connect with others who share her love for the environment. However, it’s the order packing days that she cherishes the most. The energy in the barns as volunteers gather to sort and pack orders is infectious, and Maren thrives in this atmosphere. She finds each event inspiring, recalling a saying her father once shared with her: "Being an optimistic person is planting a tree because you may never see it fully grown." The excitement of the packing process, coupled with the collective positivity, makes each volunteer day feel rewarding.

Maren’s infectious enthusiasm extends to every task she undertakes. “Tell me to go pull staples and I’ll do it! If you’re going to do things, you might as well have fun doing it!” Whether it’s a minor task or a larger project, Maren’s joyful approach and dedication to the cause shine through. It’s no surprise that the staff at the WCCD describes her as someone who “always leads with kindness and joy in everything she does” and who “is very humble.”

For Maren, volunteering with conservation organizations like WCCD is not just about lending a hand—it's about honoring her connection to nature. "Nature is my religion," she says. “It’s how I build myself up,” making her role in environmental conservation a natural extension of who she is. Her involvement doesn’t stop with WCCD; she also volunteers at The Ark and the Huron Valley Humane Society, especially at the Kitten Cafe. She is passionate about protecting the environment in all its forms, even taking on the challenge of eradicating buckthorn from her condo association and replacing it with redbud trees.

For anyone unfamiliar with volunteering at WCCD, Maren has a simple message: "Although it’s hard work, volunteering with WCCD is rewarding. The aroma from all the plants and the laughter in the room can put a smile on anyone’s face." She describes it as a kind of volunteering that brings joy and hope, focused on planting for the future. For Maren, it’s about more than just the physical act of planting trees; it’s about the sense of community, the fulfillment of contributing to something larger than herself, and the opportunity to connect with others who share her commitment to the environment.

One of Maren’s most cherished memories as a WCCD volunteer was working alongside another staff member's children, breaking down boxes. Watching the next generation of volunteers actively participate in the process was a heartwarming moment for her. “I loved seeing these kids helping alongside the volunteers,” Maren reflects, adding that celebrating together when all the orders were packed was a moment of shared accomplishment and joy.

Volunteering with WCCD has given Maren something to look forward to. The good feelings of contributing to a cause she cares deeply about linger long after the events have ended. Maren’s volunteer work is not only a reflection of her love for nature, but also a testament to the lasting impact of those who give their time and energy to preserving the environment.

As Maren continues to dedicate herself to volunteer work, her infectious positivity, unwavering dedication, and deep respect for the natural world serve as an inspiration to all those around her. Through her example, she reminds us that the smallest acts of service can have a lasting impact—and that volunteering is about planting seeds for a better, greener future. 

Congratulations Maren on being awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for 2024 and thank you to all our volunteers! Join us for the 77th WCCD Annual Celebration!