Karen supporting the Spring Tree & Shrub Sale distribution.
Some of our volunteers have been supporting us for years, and others are quite new but super dedicated--Karen Mills has been one of these volunteers in the last 2 years. After purchasing trees from Monroe County Conservation District, she found the WCCD plant sales, and was inspired to volunteer. In 2024 and 2025 she volunteered nearly every day of our 3 major plant sales. In the 2025 Spring Tree & Shrub Sale, she volunteered for nine 3-hour shifts, almost every shift available, 27 hours total! While we certainly don't ask for such a huge commitment from everyone, we're grateful to the volunteers like Karen who show up regularly with good energy and bring consistency to the operations.
Karen was motivated to volunteer by the desire to make a difference, in particular out of concern of the rate of deforestation locally and globally. She's a outdoors lover, and hates seeing the "concrete take over the world". Her volunteering supports re-planting efforts, including her own on her 10 acres in Scio Township, where she and her wife, Teresa, have been working restore the old farm land by removing invasives, planting new species, and protecting the fruit trees from those pesky deer!
Karen, 2nd from left, brings a steady and playful energy to the volunteer team.
We awarded Karen this year not only for her dedication to the major events and consistent support, but her friendly attitude and ability to step into any task and work with various staff and other volunteers. She's a steady force, and always bringing some well timed jokes and playfulness, keeping the Resource Specialist on his toes when needed.
Karen expressed that she enjoyed volunteering with the WCCD because of the fun events (including volunteer contributed playlists & staff in costumes), making new friends, and always having a good laugh while also having a real meaningful impact. She's recommend volunteer with the WCCD as a great experience and easy to do, and a great way to meet new people; so many plant people out there!
When Karen isn't volunteering or working on her land, she keeps busy riding her motorcycle and restoring old Hummer motorcycles, and disappointedly being a Lions fan.
Thank you, Karen, for your dedication and support of the WCCD. We look forward to working with you for many years to come!
Join us in celebrating all the Annual Awardees at the Conservation Celebration on March 12, 2026!