Need a Great Excuse to Ride, Bike or Hike?
By Teri Merry

Cheryl Wegner on horseback and Daniel Saum on the bicycle enjoy some time at William Heise Park in Julian. Photo by Sue Waters

Few things in life offer us a "win-win" outcome. If you ride a horse, bike or hike, then becoming a volunteer for the County of San Diego Parks and Recreation may be one of the most rewarding "win-win" relationships you can experience. If you are hesitant about getting involved, spend the next five minutes reading what is in it for you. Then decide.

More than 9,000 acres of county preserve land is open to the public in Ramona and Julian. In all of these preserves, the intent is to "preserve" something. That "something" could be bird breeding habitat, Indian artifacts, delicate plant life or something else. The county relies on volunteers

to patrol these preserves to make sure that what is being preserved remains undisturbed. Most county park volunteers are hikers, mountain bikers or equestrians.

Cheryl Wegner, volunteer coordinator for the parks department said, "The (volunteer) patrol provides the extra 'eyes and ears' for our rangers. "

Teri Merry on a very brave Blanche the mule cleans a bunch of helium balloons out of a tree while patrolling in Santa Ysabel Open Space Preserve. Photo by Paula Blum

In addition, volunteers provide maps and information to visitors. They help to make sure that people stay on the trail, they don't smoke or build campfires, and keep the trails free of hazards. Also, the volunteers help people who may be injured by natural cause or accident.

So, you ask "What is in it for me?" According to current volunteers, here are the top 10 reasons to become a volunteer:

1. You get great first aid, CPR and advanced first aid training, which may help someone on the trail or a member of your family.

2. You get to patrol any day of the week rather than only when the preserve is open to the public (read: peace and quiet).

3. You get to patrol new preserves and trails not open to the public (read: miles of additional trails).

4. You can learn how to use a GPS so you can track your route and alert rangers to the location of a concern in the preserve.

5. You can learn animal tracking to see whose prints are in the soil.

6. You get lots of praise and respect from a great group of park rangers.

7. You get to laugh and socialize with a fun bunch of other volunteers.

8. You have a great excuse to go for a ride, hike or bike.

9. You can always find another volunteer who is willing to go when you want to go.

10. It feels good to help others and give back.

The county asks for eight volunteer hours a month.

Julian resident Maureen Brantley has volunteered as a hiker on Volcan Mountain in Julian for five years. Brantley said: "I think it is important to go out and learn to love nature. We have to stay in harmony with nature, because if we don't, then we become disconnected. If we disconnect, then there is no respect. Learning more about nature increases the understanding that we are all connected."

Patti Guerrero of Ramona is one of the equestrian patrol members. Patti said: "Volunteering is so informative with all of the training and educational classes offered. And, it is a great way to get on your horse and help people."

Dee Henry of Julian is also an equestrian patrol member. Henry said: "It gives my horse a job. The volunteer patrol gives me an opportunity to ride even more, check out a lot of areas and be useful while I am riding."

Other volunteers, like Ed Huffman of Wynola, volunteer in a different way. Ed said, "I am able to pursue my own interest in researching the histories of the Volcan Mountain and help the parks in the process." He suggests that even if people don't hike, bike or ride, that they may have an area of interest that could be of benefit to the parks department.

For more information, call Cheryl Wegner, volunteer coordinator, at 858-966-1335, or you can send her an email at Cheryl.Wegner@sdcounty.ca.gov.