Old Woman Creek volunteers honored

HURON — Three people were awarded for outstanding contributions to the Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve this past Saturday. A couple from Vermilion, Rudy and Joli Reising, along with Bill Pifer from Berlin Heights, received an award on Feb. 25 and were named Heroes of the Friends of Old Woman Creek. "The award goes to those who make outstanding contributions to the stewardship of Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve and National Estuarine Research Reserve," Friends of Old Woman Creek vice president Rosemary Kovacs said. Rudy and Joli Reising have volunteered for Friends of Old Woman Creek since 2016, providing as many as 20 hours a month to monitor birds, frogs, eagles' nests and nurdles, a.k.a. plastic marine debris. Emily Kuzmick, Friends of Old Woman Creek Coastal training program coordinator, presented their award, adding that the couple has "accumulated over 1,300 volunteer hours with their efforts." Jennifer Bucheit, Friends of Old Woman Creek's education coordinator, nominated Bill Pifer of Berlin Heights for the award. Pifer has volunteered at the organization since 2008, on trail projects. In 2012, Pifer was hired as the natural resource technician for the organization. Pifer officially retired in 2021 though since his retirement Pifer has continued to volunteer twice a month and provide public canoe tours. "Bill can strike up a conversation with anyone," Bucheit said. "Regular visitors to OWC know Bill, and he is part of why they love this place." All those given the award have their names permanently inscribed on the plaque outside the OWC Visitor Center at 2514 Cleveland Road E., located east of Huron.