Later this month, one of those volunteers, Bruce Kulik, will receive the prestigious “Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, which is administered by the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. Kulik likely needs no introduction to most folks, because our staff, other volunteers, and visitors know him quite well. He serves as a volunteer at the Danada Equestrian Center in Wheaton, Kline Creek Farm in West Chicago, and various “pop-up” programs at the forest preserves.
Kulik joined the District in 2020 and came on as a clean-up crew volunteer who helped to de-litter roadways, trails, and waterways in the preserves. In addition to horse care since then at Danada, he has also taken on countless projects, including mulching at the preserves and seed collecting to support restoration efforts at St. James Farm Forest Preserve in Warrenville. Recently, Bruce even added onto his weekly schedule as a farming interpreter volunteer at Kline Creek Farm.
In his time with us, Kulik has given over 1,600 hours of service to the District!
“Bruce Kulik is a quiet leader among his fellow volunteers, leads by example, and has a kind spirit,” says Mary Andrusyk, volunteer services supervisor.
“For litter pick-up days across the preserves, for example, we generally record the number of bags volunteers collected. Of his own volition, Bruce began tracking the weight of the bags and kept a record over time to share with fellow volunteers who participated for the day. He thought creatively about what we were doing, how to measure impact, and demonstrated that value with other volunteers to encourage and cheer everyone on for their hard work.
“Bruce not only is a gift to us and his fellow volunteers but also the countless visitors who come to the preserves for enjoyment, refreshment, and recreation. He does all of this without seeking thanks, recognition, or reward."
“Volunteering at the Forest Preserve District offers me the opportunity to get those good gut- and heart-felt vibes,” says Kulik. “When we paint picnic tables or trash cans, I get that good feeling that it looks better than it was and that someone out there is going to appreciate our efforts. Likewise, when we clear the invasives at a work site to open up the forest, it's for all to see its beauty and trees; or when we care for the animals by cleaning their stalls or feeding or grooming them, it's so visitors can enjoy the barn or farm.
“It helps me fulfill my passion for being outdoors, caring for animals, helping others, and making a difference," continues Kulik. “That’s why I keep coming back. It’s for all of those good vibes."
“From being part of the team that runs community events, like the Fall Festival at Danada, to de-littering or clearing invasive species, Bruce helps make the preserves a better place for people to visit, enjoy, and connect to nature,” says Andrusyk. “He is a person who is quietly doing good work to benefit people without them ever knowing it.”
“The volunteer program is the vehicle for me to meet and work with many fabulous friends, both Forest Preserve District volunteers and employees, who I often refer to as my ‘forest’ or ‘barn' family," says Kulik.
We are grateful to Bruce and all volunteers who serve for their philanthropic work, generosity, and dedication. Thank you, volunteers!
For more information about our volunteer programs, contact Volunteer Services at 630-933-7233 or volunteer@dupageforest.org.
Forest Preserve District of DuPage County
