Sara Ramsay
For our Leader Spotlight this month we talked to Deloa Dalby, a volunteer leader with the Foothills Branch who helped launch the Trailhead Ambassadors program in partnership with the Mountains to Sound Greenway earlier this spring!
Name: Deloa Dalby
Branch: Foothills
How long have you been a leader? 6 years (member since 2015)
What activities do you lead? Conservation, Advocacy, Restoration, and Education
Leadership Questions
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO volunteer WITH THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I am passionate about stewarding our public lands. The Mountaineers is an opportunity to collaborate with other non-profit partners towards a shared vision. My primary goal is to conserve and advocate for our public lands in Washington
WHAT IS THE BEST, FAVORITE, OR MOST MEMORABLE experience YOU'VE HAD WITH THE CLUB?
Pre-Covid, we held a trail restoration project every month on the second Saturday. I look forward to commencing this awesome program again once it's feasible.
How has your leadership style evolved as you've gained experience?
Relationships are key to the success of any leader. As a Mountaineers Leader, I have been able to expand my network and make some lifelong friends along the way.
What is one thing you do on trips to create positive experiences for people of all skills and backgrounds?
I try to organize a fun activity afterwards that ties in with our project. After working on a salmon restoration project, we went to the Issaquah Hatchery, which brought our volunteer tasks full circle. Then we went to the brewery next door and discussed all the learning that occurred during the event.
IT'S OFTEN SAID: "GOOD JUDGEMENT COMES FROM EXPERIENCE; EXPERIENCE COMES FROM BAD JUDGEMENT." ANY LEARNING EXPERIENCES YOU CAN SHARE TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY BUILD THEIR GOOD JUDGEMENT?
Since we work with tools in the field, we always start with a safety meeting. We have a Wilderness First Aid certified person on the project. By planning these precautions into the front side of the activity, we have been able to avoid any accidents on our projects.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders in The Mountaineers community?
Follow what you are passionate about and share that love with others that also feel the same passion.
What keeps you volunteering with The Mountaineers?
My drive to steward the environment, and to work with others that feel the same.
What's one thing you've learned or gained through volunteering with The Mountaineers?
I have learned that The Mountaineers is a resilient organization, and with continued members' support, it can weather any storm.
Is there aNYTHING ELSE WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I have been working for 3 years with a collaboration of public agencies and non-profit partners to create a program called Trailhead Ambassadors. This program launched on March 9, 2021 and is currently recruiting and training volunteers that will share Recreate Responsibly concepts to interested users at key trailheads through the Mountains to Sound Greenway.
Lightning Round
What's your go-to place for a post-trip meal? Commonwealth Restaurant at Snoqualmie Pass
How about your best trail snack? PB&J Frooze Balls (get at Trader Joe's)
What's your favorite close-to-home adventure? Paddleboarding
Who is your Mountaineers hero? Katherine Hollis
What 11th Essential do you bring on most trips? Hand sanitizer
is there Someone that you'd like to see in the spotlight?
Send an email to Sara Ramsay to make a recommendation for one of our upcoming Leader Spotlights!
