Volunteer Highlight: Bobby Deggendorf

Bobby Deggendorf. Photo by Rachel Lukas.

“People need personal connections to the natural world if they are going to work to protect it.”

Lives in: Jacksonport

Profession: Teacher, Sunset Elementary School, Sturgeon Bay

Number of years in Door County: 13

Started volunteering: About 10 years ago at Crossroads at Big Creek

Areas of interest: Trees, streams and lakes, exploring new areas, camping and photography

Volunteer accomplishments: I was part of a team that started an after-school club that focused on outdoor exploration and play. The club is still meeting at Crossroads.

Why he began volunteering, and why he continues: Volunteering is my way of helping people connect to the natural world. I continue because people need personal connections to the natural world if they are going to work to protect it.

What he’s gained from volunteering: I suppose warm, fuzzy feelings and a ton of fun. I really look forward to my time outside.

Favorite volunteering moment: We were seine-netting suckers in Big Creek a few years ago. The water was really flowing, and the kids got soaked working the net. Some of the kids had never even touched a fish before. I got some great pictures of them holding the suckers with giant smiles on their faces.