The Nature Reserve's Great Fortune
In a recent testimonial with dedicated resident Paul deCapua, who has generously volunteered his time for over 8 years, we delved into how volunteering at The Nature Reserve has impacted his life, and the memorable moments he's experienced along the way.
Paul highlighted his passion for spreading awareness about the Nature Reserve, emphasizing the rarity of such vast open spaces within urban settings. Being a longtime resident of Newport Beach and a sailing enthusiast for 35 years, Paul’s involvement as a volunteer opened his eyes to the beauty and significance of the land. His newfound appreciation for the environment and the area's rich history has become an integral part of his daily life, especially as he gazes out over the open space from his home.
Paul shared that his neighbors used to ask him what he did at the Nature Reserve, so he took the opportunity during one of the Open Access events to bring 6 of them to the RDOC for a hike among the wildflowers. One of his neighbors ended up joining him as a volunteer!
When asked about his impact on the community, Paul expressed hope that his outreach efforts have made a difference. Through events and conversations, he strives to convey the importance of preserving the Nature Reserve and its promise of forever open space. It’s a joy to see people initially unaware of the reserve later become enthusiastic participants in its events!
Paul's story is a testament to the transformative power of volunteering and the profound connections it fosters within communities.