Interviewed by Roxana Lucero, Land Stewardship Associate
About Owen
How long have you lived in the Bay Area?
I’ve been living in the Bay Area for about six to seven years. I’m originally from South Korea.
How did you learn about Save Mount Diablo?
I learned about SMD through online research, and it fit perfectly with what I wanted to do.
What did you do before you started volunteering for us?
I was a junior in high school.
How long have you been volunteering with us?
I would say just about to approach my year mark or maybe a bit longer than a year.
What were your reasons for getting involved with SMD?
I wanted to help my community in some way during my junior year summer. I found Save Mount Diablo online. It fit me perfectly, because I want to go into the conservation field when I get older and I also love the outdoors.
About Owen’s Work
Which SMD programs are you involved in?
I used to regularly attend the Diablo Restoration Team (DiRT) workdays before COVID-19 restrictions. Now I help out the land stewardship watering crew and other extra work that Roxana might need help on.
What does your volunteer work consist of and what do you like about it?
I usually water and remove invasive plants. In June, I helped remove the invasive barbed goat grass from the recently acquired Smith Canyon property. I just love being outdoors and contributing to the cause of this organization.
What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on while volunteering?
None of the volunteering projects were challenging. : )
What is an especially memorable experience you’ve had as an SMD volunteer?
The satisfactory feeling I felt after my first DiRT day was unforgettable.
Join Our Volunteer Crew! We Depend on You!
Given limited staff, resources, and time, Save Mount Diablo depends on volunteers to take organizational effectiveness from excellent to exceptional. Save Mount Diablo seeks to connect a passionate community to our mission, cultivating a sense of ownership and proficiency in every volunteer position offered. Whether you want to help with restoration and stewardship, build and maintain trails, help with events, assist in the office, lead hikes, or advocate for us, there’s a place for you. For more information, check out Save Mount Diablo’s volunteer opportunities.
