Bird Monitoring Volunteer Spotlight: Greg Wehn
At the end of a successful season of Coastal Breeding Bird Monitoring, we wanted to highlight one of our volunteers, Greg Wehn, who played an integral role in this work. Learn why Greg loves working with the Coastal Breeding Bird Monitoring program.
“I joined the ranks of the volunteers last year (2023), about 18 months after being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and being forced into “early retirement” from my career of over 15 years. My wife had sent me the Instagram request for volunteers and knowing I loved all types of birds, she urged me to check it out as I had just started recovering from the treatments and was no longer incapacitated from the pain and treatments.
From the online training session, I knew the group of full-time employees and volunteers was a special one. We may come from all walks of life and backgrounds, but the common trait shared in our love of birds and nature is the thread that tethered us all together as we endured the cold days on the windy and rainy harbor, or the blazing hot days trudging through the brush, “jagger bushes” and other fierce flora. My first year was an experience I’ll never forget, as it was the first real meaningful commitment I had after being diagnosed outside of going to the doctor for treatments, scans, and follow-up appointments.
The experience also gave me the confidence to expand into other volunteer opportunities where I can make a difference, but the seabirds and counting them as well as their young will remain one of my most fond experiences in terms of volunteering. Whether you enjoy the ocean/harbor, outdoors and nature, or just birds the volunteer program will not only be educational but also almost a free excursion a couple of times a year. Rachel and the rest of the team will welcome you as part of their family from day 1, but also make sure you are having a good time (even when working).”
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Interested in volunteering for Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park? Check out current volunteering opportunities on our volunteer page: Volunteer – Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)