Volunteer Spotlight

Mary Kay, Margy Verba, Jose Perez, John Dittli, Bill Bailey, Carol Wiley, Dave Willis, Louie Lujan, Todd Vogel, Matt Nelson

Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey is a resident of Southern California and works as a realtor at SkyBlue Realty and Funding. Bill was inspired to begin volunteering for the California Wild Heritage Campaign when CWHC Organizer Michael Grenetz contacted him. As Bill says, “I decided it was time for me to do SOMETHNG and GET INVOLVED.” Below, is more of our conversation with Bill.

What was one of your most rewarding experiences as a Campaign volunteer?
Most rewarding: Our Piru Creek Clean-up at Frenchmen’s Flats. It was a great to see all the different people out there volunteering. We had over 70 people come out to help. Boy Scouts of all ages, moms and dads with their kids, fisherman, and just regular folks looking to give us a hand at cleaning up the trash. That area of Piru Creek is just beautiful, and a great area to fish, picnic, or go hiking.

What keeps you involved with the Campaign
Seeing the progress we have made, knowing we still have a long way to go and building the relationships with the community, and political leaders. Working with our local business community to build that support and educate them on the values of having a wilderness area and a wild and scenic river in our back yard.

What are your favorite outdoor activities
Camping in the mountains with family and friends, fly fishing, exploring the great outdoors.

How has your Campaign experience benefited you personally and/or professionally
The benefits never stop, you just feel better about yourself when you know you are giving back to your community. Giving the gift of yourself, time, energy, mind is a joy.

What advice would you give to a new Campaign volunteer
Enjoy, have fun… meet great new people, and get a great education in dealing with other people.

What is your favorite outdoor memory
Backpacking in the Cascade Mountains near Mt. Rainier. A three day trip through back country, part of the Pacific Crest Trail, and along a crystal clear stream that led to an alpine lake where I could have stayed for days. Parts of the trail gave us magnificent view and vistas of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and the Cascades.

The Campaign salutes Bill, and all of our volunteers across the state, for making a difference.

Get involved today - Volunteers and Interns are always needed.