Volume 28 Issue 4, Fall 2023
by Kim Strader, Volunteer Coordinator
Brothers Kevin (left) and David Denice remove invasive plants during a work day at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary. Photo by SA Ferguson
While donations are important to support Loudoun Wildlife’s work, we are a volunteer-driven organization whose 430 volunteers contribute more than 11,000 hours a year to our citizen-science, habitat restoration, education, and advocacy programs. The vast majority of our volunteers are individuals, but some couples and a few families volunteer together — like John Denice and his sons, Kevin and David, who volunteer at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary and with our birding programs.
The Denices have been members since 2013 and began volunteering regularly with us in 2021. John and his son Kevin first joined us for the 2021 Christmas Bird Count, with David following in 2022 by volunteering to help with habitat restoration projects at JK Black Oak. There, all three Denices helped install deer exclosure fences to protect native trees and other plants, and took part in efforts to remove invasive Wavyleaf Basketgrass from the property. Kevin also helped out with a recent insect survey at the sanctuary, and John accompanied him to learn more about the flora and fauna.
Volunteers John Denice (center) and son Kevin (right) assist entomologist Tami Carlow with photographing insects found at Black Oak during a recent survey of the property’s resident bugs. Photo by SA Ferguson
John and Kevin are regular participants in our monthly bird walks. John, who recently retired, has been assisting us by leading quite a few bird walks, where he gladly shares knowledge with attendees. Kevin regularly attends the walks and often shares his photographs with us for use on our website and social media. They also participate in Loudoun Wildlife’s Walk for Wildlife each October.
From habitat restoration to birding and insects, we are glad the Denices found that they can pursue their individual interests as well as a collective family interest by volunteering with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy. Many thanks to the Denice family and to all our families, couples, and individuals who volunteer with us. Your involvement is vital to helping create a place where people and wildlife thrive together.