Wild Whatcom is dedicated to putting our community at the center of our plans, programs, and impact. One of the most important ways we do that is by welcoming 130+ volunteers to join us in every aspect of our work: in the field with programs, supporting everything from budgeting to community events as committee members, and as organizational leaders and advisors as part of our volunteer board. Over the next few months, we'll be introducing you to our board members. Would you like to join our board? Let us know by submitting a volunteer interest form!
Meet MyLy Fung, our Board Chair! MyLy started volunteering on ALL of our committees in 2023, and it wasn't long before she joined the board as well. We asked her a few questions to help you get to know her:
Wild Whatcom: MyLy, How did you first get involved in Wild Whatcom?
MyLy: I first got involved by attending a Wild Whatcom Wonder Walk. I learned so much from just that one walk with Kate—I absolutely loved the concept of the program and the beautiful community it built around nature, and I was immediately hooked! I went straight to the website to learn more about the organization and see how I could plug in. From there, I jumped right in and signed on as a volunteer, eager to help out on any committee that needed a hand!
Wild Whatcom: Why did you choose to join the Wild Whatcom Board?
MyLy: I chose to join the board because I deeply admire Wild Whatcom’s mission and the incredible people who lift it up every day. Having an extensive background in nonprofit management, participating on boards, and volunteering in the community, I wanted to lend my skills to support our team's growth while also learning from this wonderful community myself. It felt like a great opportunity to give back to an organization that aligns so closely with my own values.
Wild Whatcom: Which of your interests and skills do you find most relevant to your work on the board? What is most rewarding about being on the board?
MyLy: On the skills side, I lean into organizational leadership, board governance, fundraising, and operational management. But just as importantly, I try to bring an open mind and a deep commitment to community. The most rewarding part of this work is seeing the pure enthusiasm our community has for outdoor education. It is incredibly fulfilling to collaborate with others to share Wild Whatcom’s story, foster awareness, and watch our collective connection to nature grow.
Wild Whatcom: If you could be something in nature other than a human being, what would you be? Why?
MyLy: A tree—definitely a tree. I admire their resilience, heartiness, and resourcefulness. They are inherently community-oriented, supporting entire ecosystems and connecting everything from the soil to the air. Plus, trees are just cool and beautiful!
Wild Whatcom: Our mission statement reads: Wild Whatcom fosters lifelong connections to nature. What does that mean to you? Why is it important for everyone in our community?
MyLy: To me, a lifelong connection to nature means having a reliable "anchor" throughout all stages of life. Nature isn't just a place we visit; it’s a space where we find resilience, grounding, and healing, no matter our age. Nature is for everyone. This is vital for everyone in our community because a healthy connection to the Earth directly correlates with a healthy, connected society. When we foster a deep relationship with the natural world, we naturally become better stewards of the environment and of each other. It builds a foundation of empathy, gratitude, and community care that benefits all of us.
We are so grateful to have MyLy on the Wild Whatcom Board.
Are you interested in volunteering with us? Check out all your options on our Volunteer page.