Volunteer Spotlight

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

Margy Verba

Margy Verba is a volunteer for the California Wild Heritage Campaign. As a resident of the Eastern Sierra, she has been a valuable supporter of the wild lands and rivers in her area.

This September, Margy took time out of her schedule to join the Campaign in Washington D.C. While there, she met with decision-makers to explain the importance of protecting our state’s remaining wild areas.

The Campaign caught up with Margy recently, and asked her to explain the source of her commitment to the outdoors.

Occupation: Pilates Instructor

Q. How did you get involved as a Campaign volunteer

A. Progressive political activism and love of nature were both integral to my upbringing (thanks Mom and Dad) – I was raised on anti-war protests (Vietnam era), and (still to true this day) all of our family outings/vacations involve hiking in gorgeous locations. So, wilderness activism was a very natural progression.

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

A. Being present when the Mono County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to support a compromise negotiated between the local wilderness community and snowmobilers to recommend 40,000 new acres of wilderness. This was the first ever pro-wilderness vote by our county supervisors and led to the introduction of a wilderness bill (status as of this time pending). It was very moving to see some of our local activist heroes/heroines become choked up as they testified on behalf of the compromise.

Q. What keeps you involved with the Campaign

A. A passion for wilderness and being terrified of the current political climate’s impact on de facto wildernesses which are not legally protected. I have hiked all over the world, which makes me all the more appreciative of how precious pristine expanses of land really are. I am furious and completely incomprehensive that anyone would want to damage what little wild lands are left.

Q. What are your favorite outdoor activities

A. Backpacking, hiking, canoeing, rafting, backcountry skiing…any minimal impact activity that brings me to a pristine area.

Q. How has your Campaign experience benefited you personally and/or professionally

A. I have met the most wonderful people – true kindred spirits. Also, my overt involvement has perhaps selected clientele with whom I enjoy spending working.

Q. What advice would you give to a new Campaign volunteer

A. Find a balance between dedication/optimism and non-attachment to a specific outcome. It’s only possible to do this kind of work if you believe in the possibility of a positive outcome, and that’s not always what happens in reality. Rather than falling into immobilizing despair (“why should I bother…nothing’s going to come of my work”), learn to feel part of the “every little bit helps” bigger picture.

Q. What is your favorite outdoor memory

A. I must be very lucky…this is an absolutely impossible question to answer. My favorite two memories of my most recent Yosemite backpacking trip are: 1) arriving back in camp by myself to discover 3 Sierran bighorn rams grazing about 50 yards away…they hung out there for about ½ an hour, completely aware of my presence; and 2) sunset music jams in a cosmic off-trail 11,000+ ft. granite basin, where we hung out for a few days, and were crazy enough to pack in a guitar, mandolin, and fiddle.

Thank you for making a difference in the wilderness community!

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