Volunteer Spotlight - Keith Hartman

​Keith Hartman started as a volunteer for the Conservancy earlier this year. As part of his Delta College associate’s degree, Keith needed to obtain some volunteer hours so he reached out to the Little Forks Conservancy. His interest in the outdoors and recreation activities, such as hiking and biking, led him to Little Forks. 

Keith Hartman assisting with invasive species removal at Riverview Natural Area

​“I wanted to contribute to the conservation of the parks and natural areas that I cherish and spend so much time in. Recreation aside, I think these areas are a necessity for the health of our community, and I want to support that”, Keith said.

After meeting with staff and discussing some potential volunteer opportunities and projects, Keith got right to work. For multiple weeks, he was busy with different tasks to help the Conservancy improve its preserves, for both visitors and wildlife.
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His first project was repainting and refinishing the trail signs at the Averill Preserve. After years of being exposed to the elements and some signs being vandalized, they were looking rough and needed some work. Keith ventured out to gather the signs and then spent hours fixing them up. Once they were refinished, he went back out to the property to reinstall them.

Preserve signs after being refinished and reinstalled

Preserve signs after being refinished and reinstalled

​While out gathering signs at Averill, Keith noticed some of the birdhouses were damaged. He took the initiative to ask Little Forks if he could fix them up or replace them with new birdhouses. After a few more days of work, Keith had reattached the fallen birdhouses and made three brand new ones to install. 

Keith installing a birdhouse a Averill Preserve

Keith installing a birdhouse at Averill Preserve

​In addition to the work at the Averill Preserve, Keith also spent a day in the field with Little Forks’ staff and AmeriCorps member removing invasive shrubs along the Tittabawassee River at Riverview Natural Area. “The whole experience has been wonderful.” Keith said, “My favorite was clearing the invasive species near the river. It was nice to work alongside like-minded people and learn more about invasive plants and the local ecosystem.”

When asked what he would say to others that are interested in volunteering with the Conservancy, Keith said, “I can't recommend them enough! They have a very friendly and accommodating team, and the work can be really fun and interesting.” We are incredibly grateful for our volunteers, they are a crucial part of the work that we do. If you are interested in volunteering and getting involved with our work, you can fill out a volunteer form on our website.