Caroline Foster’s involvement with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy began at Claude Moore Park, where she signed up to monitor bluebirds. That first experience introduced her to the many ways she could help protect Loudoun’s wildlife and natural spaces. Once she discovered the range of opportunities available through LWC, she says, she “never looked back.”
Since then, Caroline has supported native plant sales, staffed LWC information booths, participated in habitat cleanups and, most recently, joined Salt Watch. Each role has given her a new way to contribute while expanding her knowledge of the natural world.
Although Caroline appreciates nature for the quiet and peace it brings, the people she meets through LWC are what keep her involved. She enjoys being surrounded by volunteers who are passionate about their areas of interest and eager to share what they know. She learns something new every time she volunteers and leaves feeling reinvigorated. One of Caroline’s favorite memories comes from helping at the Big Sit information booth within her first few weeks of joining LWC. Still new to the organization, she prepared by exploring its website. As visitors stopped by the booth, Caroline found herself eagerly sharing each new program and event she had discovered. She remembers feeling like “a kid in a candy store.”
Caroline’s commitment to conservation is rooted in a childhood spent exploring natural areas throughout Loudoun and Virginia. She once assumed those places would always be protected. As she grew older, however, she watched many of the landscapes she had wandered become subdivisions, shopping centers and data centers. Seeing those changes made her realize that protecting wildlife and its habitat requires people to become actively involved.
“I knew I couldn’t just assume someone else would step up to protect our habitats and wildlife while I sat back. I knew I had to get actively engaged.” – Caroline
Caroline’s favorite place to experience nature in Loudoun is the Algonkian Sanctuary Trail. She loves its quiet paths and the way its wetlands come to life. She once thought the landscape did not feel like Virginia. Now, she sees it differently: “This is how Virginia should look.”
Caroline also looks forward to the discoveries that arrive with each migration season. This fall, she is especially excited to watch hawks pass over Snickers Gap, an experience she learned about from a fellow volunteer. It is one more example of how LWC has introduced her to new places, new experiences and people who share her love of nature.
Her advice to anyone considering volunteering is simple: “Do it! Be brave! Find something that sounds fun and jump right in—no experience needed. Everyone is eager to teach you the ropes, and you’ll feel right at home in no time.”
Thank you, Caroline, for your enthusiasm, curiosity and dedication to protecting Loudoun’s wildlife and natural spaces. We are grateful to have you as part of the LWC volunteer community!
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.