Celebrating World Ranger Day: An Interview with Liam, Intaka Island Volunteer
As World Ranger Day approaches on 31 July, we are excited to feature Liam, a dedicated volunteer at Intaka Island. His commitment and contributions have greatly impacted our community. Here is a glimpse into his journey:
Background and motivations
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to volunteer at Intaka Island?
A: From a young age, I have always wanted a career dealing with animals and the environment. Visiting game farms further piqued my interest in this field.
Q: What do you hope to achieve or contribute through your volunteer work here?
A: Knowing that many NPOs are often short-staffed, I wanted to help by becoming a volunteer. This experience also helps me decide on my future career.
Volunteer experience
Q: What tasks or projects have you been involved in as a volunteer at Intaka Island?
A: I have assisted with guided tours, general maintenance, ferry rides, event setups, educational programmes, maintenance of the wetland pathways and bird hides, and bird counts.
Q: Can you describe a rewarding experience or moment during your time volunteering?
A: Cleaning up rubbish that could harm bird life and helping guests with directions and information about the birds have been particularly rewarding.
Connection to conservation
Q: How does your volunteer work at Intaka Island align with your values or interests in conservation?
A: Volunteering here has shown me what is expected of a ranger and the tasks involved. It aligns with my values of environmental awareness and has motivated me to further my studies in nature conservation.
Q: Have there been any challenges or learning experiences that stood out to you?
A: Being in a work environment for the first time, I’ve learned discipline, punctuality, teamwork, and client interaction. Maintenance tasks were challenging but also provided valuable learning experiences.
Advice and reflection
Q: What advice would you give to others interested in volunteering for conservation efforts?
A: If you are interested in conservation, volunteering is a great way to gain insight into the field and determine if it’s the right career path for you.
Q: How has volunteering here impacted your perspective on environmental conservation?
A: Volunteering at Intaka has taught me life skills crucial for a career in conservation. It has confirmed my decision to pursue this field, and I am grateful for the opportunity.
We are proud of Liam’s dedication and look forward to his continued involvement and future contributions to nature conservation.
Volunteer your time
Get involved and make a difference at Intaka Island! Whether you’re passionate about conservation or interested in learning more about eco-centre management, there are many ways you can help.
Conservation activities:
Bagging fynbos and horticulture plants
Clearing alien plants
Maintaining pathways
Litter pick-up
Cleaning the reserve
Managing green waste
Planting fynbos
Watering plants
Eco-Centre opportunities:
Volunteer to shadow rangers
Shadow the eco-centre manager (education and facility management)
Participate in community service (general centre clean up)
Volunteering at Intaka Island is a great way to connect with nature, gain valuable experience, and have a positive impact on the environment. We welcome individuals of all ages, especially young nature enthusiasts, to join our dedicated team.