Another key volunteer of the Western Wildlife Corridor, Gary Rapien, loves spending time outdoors and especially loves helping the WWC restore preserves so native vegetation can flourish. Gary joined us about 10 years ago, right before retiring, and immediately rolled up his sleeves and got to work. And what a resource for the WWC! He puts in over 300 hours every year—one of our top volunteer leaders.
Gary is passionate about the Whitetail Woods Nature Preserve. He volunteers there frequently and is largely responsible for how nice it is today. He volunteers on our weekday and Saturday group projects, too. He especially likes the physical outdoor projects, and of course, enjoys the sights and sounds of nature.
Gary is yet another Cincinnati native, born in Newport, raised in Price Hill and St. Bernard, and now living on the West Side. Went to Roger Bacon High School and the University of Cincinnati. He worked for 34 years for Rumpke in a variety of roles, mostly outdoors. He even married a Rumpke!
Gary is the monitor for Whitetail Woods and the #1 volunteer at that nature preserve. Go there in the spring to marvel at all the larkspur that has returned after the honeysuckle removal. Gary not only removes invasive plants, but he also picks up trash and removes hundreds of bottles and other garbage from near the parking spot for Whitetail Woods every year.
Invasive plants continue to be removed from WWC preserves, allowing the return of native plants and wildflowers. The work of volunteers like Gary Rapien is critical to this effort. And Gary loves doing it!
