A Word of Thanks to a Special Volunteer
Jerry Sazama where he is most at home.
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart.” ~Elizabeth Andrew
There are often unsung heroes among us, people who go unrecognized in their efforts to make the world a better place. Never one for the spotlight, Jerry Sazama personifies this. But as a volunteer he has played an integral part in the success of the Chippewa County Land Conservancy (CCLC). We at CCLC wanted to share a little bit about his story and accomplishments as a way of saying thank you.
In 2008 Jerry officially became a board member of CCLC and in his 12 year tenure he utilized his training and experience as an attorney to finalize a number of CCLC projects. Preserving land is not only about the land itself but involves working with the landowner in the detailed management of the legal process. Jerry’s dedication and knowledge were invaluable to the CCLC as it dealt with the complex acquisitions of Joas Nature Preserve, Kemper Woods, the Krank Wildlife Preserve and Otter Lake Esker.
But Jerry’s contributions didn’t end there. Upon retirement from the board, Jerry happily set aside the paperwork and meetings and headed out to the woods. An active member of CCLC and the Ice Age Trail Alliance naturally led him to learn the skills of trail construction. Utilizing this knowledge, Jerry dedicated many hours to planning, building and maintaining trails on CCLC properties. His latest endeavor came last fall when he masterminded the creation of a trail through Boyd Park in Pine Harbor. As the trail beckons you around the next corner and winds you through the forest, you are able to enjoy the beauty of nature and appreciate the talent involved in an effort like this.
CCLC is forever grateful to Jerry for his contributions. When asked why he enjoys this type of work Jerry puts it this way: “Besides the benefits of staying fit, and learning new things, its feeling good about the work you do. Volunteers hike a lot of trails in a lot of places. Trails often made by someone you may never meet and trails you yourself may never hike. But knowing the trails will be enjoyed by many others, it becomes a pay it forward kind of thing.” And that is the heart of it after all.