Volunteer Highlight - Renars Bundzis

Renars Bundzis first began volunteering with Little Forks Conservancy in November of 2023, helping to restore a pollinator grassland plot at the Averill Preserve. His work ethic and passion for the environment make him a great partner in tackling invasive species.  Because April is National Volunteer Month, we wanted to highlight Renars and ask him some questions about why he chooses to volunteer with Little Forks.

Renars Bundzis

Renars spending time outdoors with two of his three daughters.

Renars may be a new volunteer with Little Forks Conservancy, but his love of nature really started earlier, during his time as a student-athlete at Northern Michigan University. Being so close to Lake Superior and the surrounding wildlife of the Upper Peninsula, Renars spent what little free time he had, in the great outdoors. He mentions, "Whether it was a simple short hike with my wife or teammates or an ice-cold swim across the Straits of Mackinac, I was always there for it." Renars is also a dad to three girls and one of his big goals as a father is to keep them engaged in nature, whether that be a hike or cycle on local trails, a round of golf, or time spent in their backyard. 

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Renars removing Autumn Olive at the Averill Preserve

​Renars is also closely tied to the environment in his work, at SPACE Inc. as the lead for Marketing and Sustainability efforts. He jokingly says that his job is to "make sure my grandkids know what a polar bear is through innovative and circular efforts in the commercial and government furniture market." The passion for environmental and community sustainability that SPACE President Paddy Hobohm demonstrates drew him to the role and actually introduced him to the work that we do at Little Forks Conservancy.​

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When asked why he chose to start volunteering with Little Forks Conservancy, Renars says "I absolutely love Midland and the outdoor opportunities that it offers to me and my family. Volunteering with Little Forks was a natural fit that aligned with my interests and passions."  Another thing that Renars enjoys about volunteering with Little Forks is that it allows him to get out from behind the computer. He remarks, "I know my screen time is way above the healthy limit and Little Forks Conservancy creates unique opportunities for my family and community to be outdoors."

Renars removing invasive shrubs on the grassland filter strip at Riverview Natural Area

When questioned about what he would say to others in the community about volunteering with our organization, Renars emphasizes the importance of sustaining the environment for future generations and our responsibility that we have to do so. He states that, "Little Forks provides an easy, sustainable, and enjoyable way to be outdoors that accomplishes fulfilling work that benefits the whole community. Get outdoors, trade your workout at the gym for a meaningful workout alongside our rivers, and enjoy the fruits of your labor with your family and community that surrounds you!"