Kevin Walenta has been volunteering with Schlitz Audubon for three years, supporting the Animal Care team. A Mequon native, Kevin spends much of his fall and spring on the sidelines cheering for his two sons as they play soccer for the North Shore United program. In the winter, he coaches basketball, and at home he enjoys playing guitar.
How did you come to volunteer at the Center?
My youngest son was a Chickadee and Cardinal at the Nature School and we enjoyed our experience so much that I wanted to keep a connection to the Center after he “graduated” to kindergarten. I love animals so when an animal care volunteer opportunity opened up, I jumped at it!
Why is volunteering at the Center important to you?
It offers me some respite from the bustle of day-to-day life. I get to spend time with turtles, snakes, toads, salamanders, millipedes, and other wonderful animals. It’s a nice break from the real world!
What do you find rewarding about volunteering?
I find the connections we develop with the animals to be most rewarding. They all have their own different and unique personalities, and once you spend enough time with them, you’re able to see these personalities shine through.
What is your favorite place, animal, plant, or activity at the Center and why?
Well, I can’t say I have a favorite animal because I would hate for that to get back to the other animals! The Secret Door might be my favorite place at the Center – when my youngest son Jace was a Chickadee, he led me to the Secret Door for Father’s Day and was so proud that he could find it on his own.
If you knew someone was thinking of volunteering at the Center, what would you tell them?
There are so many different fun ways to volunteer at Schlitz Audubon – all rewarding in their own way. Working with animals, raptors, or getting outside and helping make the property even more beautiful than it already is. Volunteering at the Center is fun, rewarding, and impactful!
Thank you, Kevin, for volunteering with us! We appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm, as well as that of all of our volunteers.
Interested in volunteering? Learn more.
