Volunteer Corner BY: CHERYL WEGNER, VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Equestrian Doug Howarth has been a member of the Volunteer Patrol based out of Sweetwater Regional Park for about six years, having become more active in the past two years. Doug was brought up on a farm where his dad didn’t allow any “hay burners” so Doug had to bum rides from neighbors when he could. Then about 20 years ago he went to a dude ranch and rekindled the “horse bug”.

Asked why he volunteers, Doug said that he wanted to give back to his community. He loves nature and the outdoors and is interested in helping people. No wonder, as Doug worked for the Sweetwater Union High School District for 35 years, teaching for 13 years, and was a counselor for 23 years. He retired a few years ago, which has given him more time to enjoy his two horses, a Tennessee Walking Horse and a Spotted Saddle Horse.

The Volunteer Patrol has provided Doug with the opportunity to meet some great riding companions. The patrol members meet once a month and try to commit one Saturday a month to work on trails in Bonita. Doug comments that the Bonita folks are committed to trails and it’s a place where horse people, mountain bikers and hikers all work together.