Volunteer Spotlight

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

Jose Perez

Jose Perez is a volunteer for the California Wild Heritage Campaign and our partner, the National Hispanic Environmental Council. Jose generously volunteers his time working for the Santa Clarita Community Hiking Club—a new program founded by CWHC that works to introduce Santa Clarita residents to their local wild areas.

Jose was able to take time out of his busy schedule to discuss his involvement with CWHC and to share a rattlesnake experience with us.

Q. Which region of California do you live in.

A. Southern California.

Q. How did you get involved as a Campaign volunteer.

A. I was introduced to the CWHC by Oscar Gonzales and Sal Ramirez of the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC).

Q. What motivates you to continue volunteering for the Campaign.

A. NHEC and CWHC are working on a project to preserve public land as wilderness area so that we in Santa Clarita have scenic trails at our disposal for hiking and enjoying the wilderness.

Q. What was one of your most rewarding experiences as a Campaign volunteer.

A. I have enjoyed hiking in the wilderness many times and have learned of fascinating trails since I have become a member of CWHC, thanks to Oscar, Sal (NHEC and Campaign Field Organizers) and Frank Hoffman.

Q. What is your favorite outdoor memory.

A. I have enjoyed the wilderness many times and have learned of fascinating trails since I have become a member of CHC, thanks to Oscar, Sal and Frank Hoffman. Learning new trails is my fondest memory of this experience. I have shown students and my family these new (to me) trails. Another great memory I have of the trails is a hike I took, along with my nine-year-old nephew Alex. This trail went from the Placerita Nature Center to Walker Ranch and culminating at the Waterfalls of Placerita Canyon. The hike was five miles long and my nephew was a trooper. Of course Alex was tired after three miles, but I was able to see Alex progress and persevere. We even saw a couple of rattlesnakes which really got our blood to pump!

Get involved today - Volunteers and Interns are always needed.