Volunteer Profile: Rick Bennett

by Andrea Waite

In the wilds of the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas, you can find Rick Bennett — one of WTA's dedicated volunteer crew leaders. Rick has been a trail maintenance volunteer since 2008 and has been a crew leader (or blue hat) since 2022. Over the course of 16 years, Rick has provided volunteers fun and welcoming experiences on trail, and in February, he was recognized for this work with the the Gig Harbor Rotary Club's Star Award.

Rick with his crew on a work party. Photo by Rick Bennett.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE

As a leader, Rick prioritizes the safety of the crew and never fails to bring the fun as he helps his crews complete their projects. He’s always amazed by the quality and quantity of work that volunteers get done.

What’s his secret? He creates space for each volunteer to accomplish meaningful work and enjoy themselves. In fact, Ricks' favorite thing about volunteering with WTA is the fantastic people he gets to work with. He likes them so much that each season he compiles a presentation of all the group photos he’s taken and shares with his crews to enjoy. It's the people and the memories that inspire him as a leader.

Rick and his happy crew at Lena Lake for a backcountry response team trip. Rick keeps his crew smiling and working hard out in the field. Photo courtesy Rick Bennett.

Upbeat, Kind and Inspiring

All those volunteers like Rick, too! Including many of his fellow crew leaders, or blue hats. Here's what a couple of them had to say about working with Rick.

"Rick is a great leader, who treats everyone like his friend and who mentors volunteers from their first day on trail. He teaches volunteers skills without them even realizing it's happening, which makes the work parties a lot of fun." — Owen Leiser

"I've worked with Rick in the depths of winter and the height of summer, he's always upbeat and a pleasure to be around. His work parties are well planned and organized which makes you feel confident about whatever project you'll be working on. Rick was one of my major inspirations for me to become a blue hat." — Tom Roalkvam

WTA staff can also say that Rick is a delight to have as a crew leader. But we'll admit, the homemade oatmeal cookies he brings on many of his work parties don’t hurt his case.

BANNER YEAR IN THE MAKING

2024 is shaping up to be a rewarding year for Rick and his crews. Since January, he’s been leading day work parties at the beautiful Wynn-Jones Preserve. Later in the year you’ll find him at Coulter Creek Heritage park also in Port Orchard. In the backcountry this summer, you’ll find Rick returning to trails he’s worked on in past years.

If you want to meet him, keep an eye on our Olympic Peninsula work parties. Look for his name as the crew leader!