Volunteer Highlight of the Month – Pam Narney at Westmoreland State Park
One of the very best parts of my job is getting to interact and work with the volunteers and helping to start “Friends” groups. I truly love and have great respect for the volunteers. With the talent they possess, volunteers could spend their time anywhere and they chose Westmoreland State Park.
Why us?
Pam said “I volunteer at Westmoreland State Park has beautiful trails that can challenge you or be an easy walk. You can stroll the sandy beach and pick up shark’s teeth, paddle board, kayak, or use the picnic areas.
I also have a close personal connection to the park. Civilian Conservation Corps(CCC). My Dad was in the CCC in Illinois and talked about his experiences, so when I hear the history of the CCC at Westmoreland, I remember my Dad.”
The camera caught Pam by surprise as she and John were working hard to clean up the park
"The park staff is like family to me," Pam stated. “My husband and I monitor Bluebirds at the park and all the rangers, staff, and maintenance folks wave when they see us and ask if we need anything.
The new management and staff of the park are like family too. Being a member of the Friend’s of Westmoreland State Park gives me a chance to work closely with the staff.
Prior to the arrival of Ken Benson as Park Manager, it had been difficult to schedule Master Naturalist events or even use the park. Now any time someone has an idea or needs some help, all I hear is “we can do that, or we can help you with that." The staff is genuinely happy to be working there. They are always smiling and helpful to everyone.
Westmoreland State Park is a nice place to visit, but I am lucky to be able to call it my home park.”
Pam also volunteers her time with:
- Northern Neck Master Naturalists
- Northern Neck Native Plant Society
- Northern Neck Audubon Society
- VA Bluebird Society
- Northern Neck Consortium for Environmental Conservation
- The Nature Conservancy
I really don't know how she does it. I see her everywhere I go! My job is involved with some of the groups above so many times I go to an event or meeting and there's Pam working hard to help. Oh and if you haven't figured it out yet, Pam and her husband John live in the Northern Neck!
You can find Pam and John manning the Friends of Westmoreland State Park information booth during Montross Market Days on the first Saturday of the month starting in May.
Pam and John are wonderful and it has been my extreme privilege getting to know them. John has the kind of dry wit I really like, he makes me laugh and I enjoy talking to him too as well as Pam. Thank you to the Narney's for all of your hard work in helping to make Westmoreland State Park and the Northern Neck such great places.
To find out more about volunteering at a Virginia State Park click here.
If you would like to volunteer at Westmoreland State Park or join the Friends Group, please call the park office for more information. (804)493-8821
Great Blue Heron borrowing on Osprey Nest!
here for a Google Map of the park.
Thank you Pam for everything you do, and that's alot!