Korie Blyveis, who lives in Three Rivers, has served as a volunteer for the Cass County Parks Department and Cass County Conservation District for several years.

 

In what ways do you volunteer in Cass County?

At Dr. T.K. Lawless Park (in Vandalia) I organize the Earth and Sky Celebration, which is basically an Earth Day event. We’ve been doing it for many years. This year it will be on May 21 because April is just too darn cold.

I have also organized and do some winter hikes at the park in addition to providing species identification lists. I try to update that in order to get people excited about seeing different species out at the park.

I have been on the Cass County Parks Commission for several years.

 

What else do you do?

I’ve started volunteering at the Cass County Conservation District in Cassopolis. I’ll be helping them with their tree sale and other activities as needed. The tree sale is April 22 and 23. You can preorder trees and saplings. There are a lot of different varieties and wildlife packets to encourage wildlife to come to your property. Proceeds go to the conservation district.

 

How long have you been involved with the Cass County parks system?

Since probably 2007 and 2008. Everywhere I’ve been since 1999 I’ve celebrated Earth Day. When I stopped doing it in Sumnerville I thought I had to do it close to home and started it at Lawless Park.

 

Why is the parks system important to you?

Because I believe that connecting with nature is essential to my health. I think it is very important for children to get outside and play so they can connect and understand nature so they can take better care of our environment.

 

Why is it important to volunteer?

If we don’t do it, who will?

 

How would you encourage others to volunteer?

My dad used to say that if you want something done you have to do it yourself. We can’t wait for others or funding from organizations to pay people to do this stuff. So it is up to us to do what we believe is best for our communities.

 

How can people get involved in Cass County parks?

They should contact [parks director] Scott Wyman [at (269) 445-4456.] People can also come to our events and participate, get to know someone.

 

Are there any events coming up?

Discover Winter Nights at Dr. T.K. Lawless Park. It’s from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 23, 30 and Feb. 6 and 13. There will be nighttime tubing, crafts a spotlight on nature and

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by calling Craig Haupert, community editor, at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com.