"Celebrate Service" - ACT Reflects on Volunteerism

Giving Back, Building Community

At Arundel Conservation Trust (ACT), volunteers aren’t just part of the work — they are the work. Every trail blazed, every event hosted, and every conserved acre of land has been made possible by neighbors and friends who believe in the power of showing up and giving back.

This National Volunteer Week, we proudly join the nationwide theme to “Celebrate Service,” honoring the spirit of volunteerism that fuels our mission and strengthens our community. Research shows that people who volunteer regularly experience lower stress and depression, stronger social ties, and a deeper sense of purpose. (AmeriCorps) — benefits that ripple outward into the community, building resilience, trust, and shared pride.

As a 100% volunteer-led nonprofit, ACT thrives because of the passion and dedication of people like our Board Members. Each one brings unique skills and perspectives, but they share a common drive: to connect conservation with community and to leave Arundel a little better than they found it.

Here’s what volunteering means to them — in their own words:

“Volunteering, for me, is a simple way to give back. It’s about showing up, staying connected, and doing something that feels good for both my community and the planet.”- Nikki

"Volunteering is my way of showing gratitude for the natural world and all the beauty it offers. Earth Day and National Volunteer Week are powerful reminders, but every day I feel grateful for the access we have to nature. Giving back is just one way I can help protect and support what we're so fortunate to experience."- Karen 

“Being a part of creating something for the greater good. ACT builds and maintains community spaces for people to connect with neighbors, spend time with friends & family and creates opportunities for people to appreciate and connect with nature. Our work today has lasting impact on tomorrow and that fuels my passion for non-profit work.”- Sammy

“Volunteering offers an opportunity to give back to the community, while helping to conserve land and wild spaces for all to enjoy. By volunteering with ACT, I have enjoyed working with new, interesting and fun people.  I feel a great sense of collective pride in what ACT volunteers have accomplished, especially when I see people out on the ACT lands, hiking and enjoying nature with their friends and families.”- Deb

“Volunteerism to me is a way to strengthen and lift up community cohesiveness while providing value and sense of compassion to those involved.”- Leslie

“Volunteering is a great way to get to know, and make a positive impact, on the community you live in. Whether you are new to the community or have been a resident for a long time, volunteering gives you the chance to make a difference (big or small) in your community. It is also a great opportunity to be around like-minded individuals in your town; those that share the belief that individual actions can make a real difference.”- Anna

“Volunteering is a meaningful way for me to support a cause I truly care about while also becoming more connected to the community. It’s rewarding to know that my time and effort can make a positive impact locally, and I value the relationships and sense of purpose that come with it.  ACT has been a great way for me to get to know others in the community while helping to ensure that our conserved natural resources are there for future generations to enjoy.” - Brady

“Volunteerism to me means building a sense of community and making where you live a better place. It's therapeutic to see neighbors share a common interest and work together, no matter how small the task.”- Jeremiah

“Volunteering is a way to bridge the gap between what we profess to care about and where we take action. It’s a way to participate in incremental change rather than wait to respond to the pressures of crisis. The outcomes can feel sometimes feel small and fragile, and the benefits are often intangible.  Yet, the connection to others in the community, the relationships that are built, and the shared sense of purpose, can themselves be powerful agents of collective positive change.”- Wendy

“If you live in Maine, chances are, you have a deep appreciation of nature in some way.  We are so fortunate to have natural spaces which help us to remain grounded and keep perspective on what is important. Volunteering to retain and improve on these spaces is so rewarding, because I know how much it means to the health of my community.” - Randy

“Volunteering is investing in my community. I have high aspirations for this place and these people. It requires many of us giving of ourselves - time, energy, and spirit to make and maintain an exquisite space to live and thrive.” - Wes

From trail clearing to board meetings, ACT volunteers make conservation real and community strong. We’re deeply grateful to all who give their time, energy, and heart. This week — and every week — we celebrate you.  #GiveJoy | #GiveTogether

If interested in joining us, please sign up here! 

If you enjoyed reading this blog post and have any interest in contributing as a writer on our non-profit website please reach out at info@arundeltrust.org. We love featuring guest writers and leaning into the expertise of our fellow community members.