Checking All the Boxes

By Steve Keane, ICNC Volunteer

I remember years ago with my three kids coming to the Nature Center when it was at the barn. And I remember the curiosity the kids had, the interest they had exploring the outdoors and the peaceful escape the Nature Center provided from the hubbub of everyday life. 

Then I recall when I was growing up in California. My dad and my neighbors would go camping  every year into the Sierras. Then I worked as a camp counselor and adventure guide for a number of years in the Cascade Mountains. 

So when I retired from Rockwell Collins five years ago, I thought: let’s do something different. Let’s go back to what I enjoyed, which was being outside.

I knew some people on the Nature Center board and they said ‘Steve, try out the Nature Center.’ I spoke with some staff and they described what they were doing.

One of the first things I did was helping lead field trips, like Plants and Animals, or Outdoor Skills, or Geology. Then I started working with Wednesday Warriors, and when the Nature Center acquired Etzel Sugar Grove Farm, I got involved there. I help take care of the chickens there and maintain the beautiful grounds. It’s peaceful.

When I’m volunteering as a teacher-naturalist there will always be a couple children that have not experienced nature before. They could just be from Cedar Rapids, but they’ve never really been outside. And you see that enthusiasm, that curiosity. That light goes on in their eyes and they’re experiencing something for the first time. That gives me some joy when I see children experiencing nature that way, and hopefully we can turn them into stewards of nature. When I can see the children react to nature in that way it’s a lot of fun.

I remember a group from one of the middle schools in Cedar Rapids. Some of the kids were very apprehensive about going out exploring. After starting out being scared of snakes, spiders or bugs, pretty soon they’re getting dirty, getting messy, and having a lot of fun climbing. 

It’s a pleasure to see kids really start to enjoy just being outside and not on their phones. That’s probably where I get the most joy. When I see the kids really experiencing nature.

Volunteering checks all the boxes. Discovering beauty in nature. Helping others. Protecting resources. Overall, the benefit to me is fantastic. I certainly receive more than I could possibly give to the wonderful Nature Center community.