Carl Janish and his wife Pat Caruana are on-site volunteers through April. Carl and Pat are experienced in sales, and they have developed a program of annual donations from local merchants to sponsor Bay Days. Businesses are asked in the spring to make in-kind donations, such as merchandise or gift certificates, which will be used for the Silent Auctions at the next Fall and Winter Bay Days. Pat and Carl have received annual sponsorships from more than 55 generous local businesses! Pat is also a great cook and helps with occasional events at the Buffer, and both do miscellaneous odd jobs.
From November until March 31 the Buffer Preserve had long-time volunteers Joy and Dave Peterson staying in one of the RV spaces and spending lots of time improving the Buffer Center. Among other tasks, Joy paints, and Dave drives Tram Tours into the Buffer Preserve, as well as driving other Buffer vehicles when needed. They have now returned to their home in East Alton, Illinois.
Alternative spring break students from James Madison University have completed replanting of the two native plant gardens close to the Lodge. The students also helped remove invasive torpedo grass that has appeared near these gardens.