Welcome to Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary’s blog! Ever wondered what goes on at the sanctuary when the hum of summer hustle bustle has gone? Wanted to volunteer but not sure if or how you might be able to serve? Let this blog serve as your connection to Stony Brook during these quiet winter months and beyond. Please participate in the blog by leaving a comment or question and we will be sure to answer.
Stony Brook is not the sanctuary it is without the dedication and devotion of its volunteers. We hope you will enjoy meeting some of the volunteers highlighted in our blog’s Volunteer’s Spotlight posts as you consider how you would like to begin or expand your own volunteer experience.
Al and Paula Jesness are a husband and wife volunteer team that has been profoundly instrumental in facilitating the behind the scenes operation of Stony Brook. Beginning as a volunteer over 25 years ago, Paula has served on the Sanctuary Committee for over 9 years.
Al and Paula Jesness
Paula has participated in the growth and development of the sanctuary’s All Person Sensory Trail and has recruited volunteers like Madeleine Linck, a Purple Martin Society member and advocate for the sanctuary’s current population. Paula’s hard work and organizational skills have also helped to ensure a successful Fall Fair for years by soliciting sponsorship and donations. Volunteering at the front desk, Paula’s warm and welcoming personality left all she met with a positive and lasting memory of the sanctuary.
Al has worked as a Volunteer Service Day leader, organizing, orienting and inspiring our drop-in summer trail maintenance crew. With an eye for detail and patience to match, Al has also spread the beauty of Stony Brook far and wide, with one of his photos being printed in the March 20, 2014 issue of USA Today. You might want to check out a video of a resident Great Blue Heron’s successful fish hunt Al captured last summer as well. Al’s passion and skills for woodworking have also been put to use when, for the last few years, he hosted a craft table at the Fall Fair and last year ran a public program on building birdhouses.
2014 Stony Brook wintertime landscape photographed by Al Jesness and printed in March 20, 2014 issue of USA Today,”Your Take” section
Even the new deck off the sanctuary building overlooking Stony Brook pond deserves some thanks to Al who put in several 8 hour days to help keep the construction on schedule. No task is too great for these two, and they’re not afraid to get a little dirty as well, as evidenced by their working alongside The Garden Club of Norfolk in the sanctuary’s butterfly garden, offering their own gardening expertise and muscle.
The Jesness family are an example of the difference we can all make if we share our own strengths and passions. Consider joining our volunteer team and take on a sanctuary project. See what you can do to help Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.
