CHICAGOLAND EXTRA

Volunteer naturalist’s work is recognized

Who: Bob Vetter, 73, of Grayslake was volunteer of the year for 2008 at Moraine Hills State Park and for 2007 at Volo Bog State Natural Area.

What he does: Vetter is a naturalist at both sites and leads guided tours. He also coordinates the gardens at Volo Bog and Moraine Hills.

He serves on Volo Bog's Friends of the Bog committee and is a founding member of Friends of Moraine Hills. Vetter also is the Web-site master for both groups.

Why he does it: A desire to learn about wildflowers led Vetter to Volo Bog after he retired five years ago. "The best way to learn about them, of course, is to work with them," he said. Last year Vetter worked about 600 hours at the two sites.

What he did before: Vetter, a father of two and grandfather of five, worked as a payroll manager for Harza Engineering in Chicago.

Favorite part of the job: "I just really enjoy the gardening and the naturalist part of it," Vetter said. "I've learned so much. Even at this age, I'm still learning. I keep learning. I get more out of it than I put into it because I learn so much. “One thing just added to another,” he said.

How you can help: Moraine Hills State Park will hold training Feb. 28 for docents, who greet visitors, and for roving naturalists, who assist visitors along the trails. The training sessions will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park office, 1510 S. River Rd., McHenry, between Illinois Highways 120 and 176. Volunteers are asked for once-a-month commitments for a minimum of a year.

For an application or information on training at Moraine Hills or Volo Bog, 28478 W. Brandenburg Rd., Ingleside, call Stacy Iwanicki at 815-344-1294 or e-mail dnr.volobog@illinois.gov

—Phyllis Benson

February 20, 2009