Estuaries.noaa.gov - Inspiring People to Practice and Promote Coastal and Estuarine Stewardship

	Meet an Expert

Ruth Koenig - Volunteer with the Jacques Cousteau NERR, New Jersey

Volunteer Spotlight

Ruth Koenig

	Title: Volunteer
	Reserve: Jacques Cousteau NERR, NJ
	With the NERRS since: 2003

About the Reserve

Jacques Cousteau Reserve, New Jersey

Location: The reserve is located eight miles southeast of exit 58 of the Garden State Parkway, in Tuckerton, N.J.

Total Acreage: 114,665

Name: Ruth Koenig

Briefly describe the types of volunteer activities you participate in for the NERRS. If you have a favorite volunteer topic or activity, please describe.
I support staff doing Excel schedules, entering answers to surveys on Survey Monkey and occasionally designing surveys. I have also scanned pictures and articles into a Power Point presentation for our web page. I have helped with mailings and many other computer related projects. I’ve also helped count visitors at our annual open house of the Rutgers Fieldstation. I work at the Education Center or from my home. I have also helped tag Diamondback Terrapins for a graduate student working at the fieldstation – 2 years in a row.

What life experiences led you to volunteer with the NERRS?
An interest in the area and wanted to be of help. I get a good feeling from doing volunteer work.

What is the most unusual or most unexpected thing that has happened to you while volunteering for the NERRS?
Having to chase after a diamondback.

What is your proudest achievement as a volunteer?
Being named Volunteer of the Year in 2006. I don’t volunteer looking for credit. I just enjoy it and was very surprised when I received this award.

Last Updated on: 07-01-2008