One challenge that The Nature Conservancy (TNC) faced in 2021 was difficulty in enticing volunteers to return after the COVID pandemic caused an in-person volunteer program shutdown. This was particularly impactful to their most remote sites and programs such as the Eelgrass Restoration Project along Virginia’s Atlantic coast.

To address this issue, I created a series of “Volunteer Stories” videos with filmmaker Mark Schwenk. We recorded interviews of dedicated TNC volunteers and asked them to share details of their connections with the natural world through volunteering.

The emotionally compelling video series led to a noteworthy increase in volunteer engagement, with many individuals expressing eagerness to contribute their time to the Eelgrass Restoration Project directly. Volunteer hours soared as the program reopened, showcasing the project's success in overcoming pandemic-related challenges.