October 2025 Volunteer of the Month
October 09, 2025
Always eager to learn new things and volunteer in new ways, October’s volunteer of the month Jenny Ward has become a regular in just about every department!
Congratulations Jenny for being the Volunteer of the Month, we are so grateful for all you contribute!
By Sarah Reilly
Jenny began her time volunteering in 2024, and currently gives her time as a docent, community scientist, and new member of our burn crew. She fondly tells the story of her first burn, which was this year: “Firsts are always special. I'll always remember my first prescribed burn. Tyler made us all feel so welcomed and appreciated. The first time I was on the ignitor team was another special memory. Walking in step with others, watching the fire steadily spread in a controlled manner, is a thrill. Even more thrilling is coming back to the Pine Bush a month later, and seeing all of the new plants springing up out of the charred land, and knowing that the habitat is being restored!”
Growing up in Delmar, Jenny has lived away most of her adult years but now splits her time between Altamont and Blowing Rock. The first time she visited the Pine Bush was to run on the trails, where the sand reminded her of the sand in her backyard, naturally drawing her to the preserve. She loves the outdoors and anything that gets her active in nature- she does everything from hiking, running, skiing, snowshoeing, to swimming and paddleboarding.
The Great Dunes trails are Jenny’s favorite, especially on a moonlight evening. Her time as a community scientist had led her to explore the preserve at night, which lends the Eastern Whip-poor-will the current tile for her favorite pine bush animal after her time surveying for them.
When asked what the best part of volunteering at the Pine Bush is, she said “I always learn something new at the Pine Bush. Whether it is something related to animals and fire behavior, nature photography or rare birds… I meet the most enthusiastic, knowledgeable and interesting people while volunteering at the Pine Bush.”
Jenny’s own enthusiasm is apparent whenever she is in the Preserve or in the Discovery Center. She is a natural at greeting visitors, finds ways to help however she can, has participated in just about every Community Science survey this year, and asks great questions to learn more about the Pine Bush.
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