When Marty Hornick isn’t volunteering with ESLT, perhaps you can find him backcountry skiing! He took this photo near Tioga Pass.
This month, we’re getting to know ESLT volunteer Marty Hornick.
Why do you volunteer with ESLT?
Because I love their mission. They partner with local landowners and agencies to preserve Eastern Sierra lands and the special attributes of those lands, forever and for all of us. And they ensure that these lands don’t become degraded through future development or through pressures and demands created by the potential financial value of subdivision. I appreciate that many of these lands are being protected as working lands for our local ranchers and for other minimally impactive productive uses.
Tell us about your experiences as a volunteer. What projects have you been involved in?
I love working with the folks at ESLT. They’re truly amazing people who are committed to the mission, but who are also really fun and engaging. Each time I’ve volunteered, I’ve gained another good memory or learned more about someone I’ve known only slightly before – whether while picking up trash on our Adopt-a-Highway section on Highway 395, or setting up a stage and hanging lights for an amazing outdoor concert fundraiser. Even stuffing envelopes for mailings can lead to a lot of sharing and laughing!
What is your favorite place in the Eastern Sierra?
I have lived on the Eastside for 40 years now and have spent most of that time pursuing outdoor activities. I certainly have “favorite places,” but I can’t be pinned down on just one! Each is a favorite for a different reason. Despite having explored much of this area, I think my “favorite” places are the many places that I know are out there that I haven’t yet seen. We’re incredibly lucky to be surrounded by much more than a lifetime of places to go!
What do you like to do when you’re not volunteering?
I retired from the U.S. Forest Service a couple of years ago, so I’m exploring more of those obscure places on the Eastside. Like many in our area, I do almost anything that gets me outside… probably my favorite is backcountry skiing, but I also love telemarking and snowboarding on the hill, crosscountry ski skating and striding, road and mountain biking, hiking (mostly away from trails), and some climbing. I’m ready for more!
Thank you, Marty!
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Welcome to our volunteer spotlight blog series, by Marie Ring, ESLT Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member. Throughout 2020, we’ll be getting to know more of these incredible folks who help bring our work to life.
Want to volunteer with us? We’d love to have you join us in the office or out on the land. Get in touch with Marie Ring at 760-873-4554 or to learn more. Or visit our volunteer information page by clicking the button below.
Author Marie Ring is our Education Coordinator and AmeriCorps Member here at ESLT.
© Kristen Stipanov, ESLT
