After retiring from her role as a computer systems administrator at MIT Lincoln Laboratory several years ago, Zena Runkel quickly immersed herself in volunteer work at Greenbelt. A longtime Haverhill resident, she began close to home, helping with the popular Let’s Hike Haverhill series. From there, she expanded her involvement to other Greenbelt walks, the Film Lecture Series, and Art in the Barn. She has since become a valued member of Greenbelt’s Outdoor Adventure Team (aka the GOATS), a dedicated group engaged in a variety of volunteer activities.
“When I retired, I started exploring volunteer opportunities that aligned with my personal interests and provided plenty of flexibility,” says Zena. “My husband, Troy, and I have enjoyed hiking on Greenbelt properties off and on for years, so it seemed like the perfect fit. I also love that I can pick and choose how and when I want to get involved.”
A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Zena was actively involved in the Boy Scouts as her two sons were growing up. “I was also a Girl Scout, so I’ve taken part in a wide range of outdoor activities over the years,” she says. Volunteering at Greenbelt has not only helped her stay connected to the natural world but also provided opportunities to engage with like-minded people and deepen her understanding of land conservation.
The flexibility of her volunteer work with Greenbelt is essential, says Zena, as she and her husband purchased a travel trailer last year and plan to visit all 63 U.S. National Parks over the coming years. This year alone, they will check off eight parks, including Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado and Badlands National Park in South Dakota.
Beyond their love for the outdoors and travel, Zena and Troy are also passionate about aviation. Each year, they volunteer at the Sun N Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, and AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin, organized by the Experimental Aircraft Association. “It’s the same group of people volunteering at these events and we’ve made lots of friends over the years,” she says.
In addition to her commitment as a volunteer, Zena is also a loyal Greenbelt donor. “I love that Greenbelt encourages people to get outside right here, close to home, while teaching them about land conservation and protected watershed areas,” she says. “It’s very rewarding to know that I’ve played a part in preserving natural resources in my own community.”
Click here if you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at Greenbelt.