 Volunteer, Dawn Peterson, leading a team during a WHO event.
Passionate volunteers are priceless. They are the heart and voice of Wetlands Park. Dawn Peterson is one such volunteer. We were able to catch up with her to find out what it is that keeps her coming back year after year.
What is your background? I have a Bachelor of Science in Geology from UNLV, attended graduate school with an emphasis on paleovegetation and climate change, and later in life achieved a Master’s degree in Project Management. My career has been primarily working in the Environmental Remediation field investigating, characterizing, and remediating contaminated soils and groundwater which includes learning and applying a wide range of environmental regulations. Most of my work experience has been related to the legacy contamination associated with the above and underground nuclear weapons testing programs. I also used to lead geology field trips to the wash downstream of Lake Las Vegas to discuss erosional forces and good views of soil changes over time.
Are you currently working, retired, or going to school? I work full-time at the Nevada National Security Site as a Work Planner and Integrated Safety Team Leader to ensure our laboratory experiments and research & development projects are planned and conducted in compliance with work planning and health and safety regulations.
How long have you lived in the Las Vegas Valley? I have lived here almost 34 years, much longer than expected!
Where did you live previously? I grew up in Minnesota, joined the US Air Force after high school, and after a few stops landed in Las Vegas. Guam was the most exotic assignment.
How long have you been volunteering at Wetlands Park? Since April 2019, so close to two and a half years.
How did you come to volunteer at the Wetlands? I have been familiar with the area and impressed with the changes over the past 20+ years and decided it was time to formally help out.
In what capacities have you been volunteering at Wetlands Park? I participate as a WHO Team Lead during WHO events, as a Wetland Watcher, and as a front desk volunteer at the Exhibit Hall. I have also helped with special events like Haunt the Wetlands.
Why do you like volunteering at the Park? I love being outdoors, bird watching, hiking/walking, and challenging myself to remember all the native plants – I used to know them all by branch, leaves, and seeds doing my thesis work. I desired to volunteer where I could enjoy all these hobbies while also providing a benefit and meeting new like-minded people.
What advice would you give someone thinking about volunteering at Wetlands Park? Don’t be intimidated or assume it will take up a lot of your time. The Park has a wide variety of needs and provides great flexibility in time/place/duration to meet whatever works for you individually.
What is your favorite spot in the Park? I enjoy any area of the Park where I can hear and/or see the rushing water and watch the birds. The weirs are where it is most noticeable.
For more information about volunteering at Wetlands Park please visit our website: http://volunteer.ccwetlandspark.com/.
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