Volunteer Spotlight: Tom McDonnell

As we approach Thanksgiving, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) wants to express deep appreciation for the hardworking volunteers who play a vital role in the success of the organization. Whether they are leading interpretive activities for the community to get involved with, or working behind the scenes pulling weeds at the Native Seed Farm, every volunteer is appreciated for helping work towards IRC’s mission. Thank you for your dedication and support!

One person who is a part of the volunteer community is Tom McDonnell, who has been volunteering with IRC for the last three years. Through his various roles as a volunteer who trains incoming docents, Tom has helped IRC staff tremendously and made an impression on IRC’s Volunteer Management Team. 

How long have you been an IRC Volunteer?

I have been an IRC Volunteer for three years. My first experience with an IRC activity was a Tuesday morning hike on Hicks Haul Road. After enjoying the views and talking with other participants and volunteers, it was clear that IRC would be a good match for me.

Can you give us a short summary of your typical roles and responsibilities when volunteering?

I have completed the IRC training for Trail Guides and Leads and enjoy both of those roles. I like volunteering for fitness hikes ranging from short-distance, introductory-level to long-distance, medium-paced adventures. I think as leads and trail guides on fitness hikes, we are responsible for getting participants back to the trailhead safely, happily and with some sense of a connection unique to that day on the Landmarks.

I have also found interpretive bird walks to be very rewarding. This seems to be a broadly shared interest among fellow volunteers and regular participants. 

Additionally, I feel a strong connection to stewardship activities, such as invasive plant removal and restoration projects. It feels like a good balance to support the land after the benefits I have drawn from hikes and bird walks. 

What is your background?

My academic training was in Marine Biology but my working career also focused a great deal on Upland Terrestrial Biology and how to solve environmental cleanup issues for the success of local plants and animals. During that time, I was drawn to the idea of understanding how the habitat and ecosystem of a place worked. While I’m out on the Landmarks I’m always looking to see what’s new and what’s changed.

On the recreational side, I have spent decades hiking with the Sierra Club. I served as an instructor in its Wilderness Training Course (an introductory backpacking course). Those experiences have given me confidence in my roles as an IRC volunteer.

What drew you to volunteering with IRC?

I think it was a combination of the quality of the Landmarks and the volunteers that drew me in as an IRC volunteer. I have enjoyed hiking in impressive wilderness settings and thought that could only be achieved by driving far from Orange County, until I joined a hike behind the gates and entered the Landmarks. The community that I met at IRC was dedicated to enjoying and respecting the land, as well as each other. It was the match of land and community that first attracted me; however, the diversity of activities has added a lot to what keeps me interested. 

What has been your favorite aspect of volunteering?

There is no doubt that trails, destinations and views of the Landmarks are great in their own right. However, my favorite aspect is sharing those experiences with others. Some of the participants or volunteers come with a seasoned and educated eye that guides that day’s experiences. Sharing the activity experience with someone new to the Landmarks might be the best aspect overall. My winning ticket is to hear a new visitor say they will definitely be coming back and that they will be spreading the word amongst their friends.

Do you have a favorite Landmark or trail? Or is there an area that you’re excited to explore on the Landmarks?

My favorite experience would be based on a habitat rather than a trail or destination. The oak woodlands are my favorite places, such as the ones found in Weir Canyon and Limestone Canyon. My imagination is sparked when I look out through the extensive areas of oak trees. I wonder what it would have felt like passing through here for the first time before trails had been established and what those dry creek beds would be like during one of the big storms.

What else do you like to do for fun?

I like to spend time with my family playing board games and jigsaw puzzles. I also like to hike the local trails and climb the high mountain peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains, the San Bernardino Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.

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IRC is incredibly grateful to have Tom as a part of our volunteer community, working alongside our team.

Thank you, Tom!