Volunteer Charlie Kester contributed over 500 hours helping Horicon Refuge this summer. - FWS photo

Volunteer Lucy Kester contribued over 500 hours this summer at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, staffing the visitor center everyday. - FWS photo

The staff at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge had additional help this summer and early fall with full-time volunteers Charlie and Lucy Kester providing assistance.  The Kesters, originally from Rio, Wisconsin, currently live in their recreational vehicle and travel throughout the United States volunteering at various places.  They decided to call Horicon Refuge their home from May through September, contributing over 1000 hours.  Lucy staffed the visitor center everyday while Charlie worked side by side with the maintenance employees, lending that often needed extra hand. 

Lucy's duties included multiple clerical tasks, which was especially helpful in the absence of the administrative officer.  She also maintained brochures and information for the public, kept the visitor center and exhibits clean, assisted staff with preparation for educational programs, and helped with the volunteer program.  Lucy also did an outstanding job categorizing and archiving the Refuge slides, photos, and historical documents.

Charlie's projects included keeping the facilities clean, posting and replacing Refuge signs, assisting with the construction of a photo blind, mowing trails and public use sites, removing invasive plants, and collecting wildlife data.

Charlie and Lucy were both enthusiastic volunteers, willing to do anything asked of them.  They made a huge contribution to the Refuge with their time and talent!  They will definitely be missed.  The staff hopes that they migrate this way again on their future adventures.