Bob Toner: An Appreciation
By Ann Quigley, Eastern Shore Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists
(also published in the Eastern Shore Post, page 22)
Bob Toner, 84, a Certified Virginia Master Naturalist volunteer and member of the Eastern Shore Chapter, moved recently from Onancock to Portsmouth to be nearer to family. We had no idea of the impact he would have when he moved to the shore from North Carolina in 2006 when he retired. His abundant contributions to the shore are well worth noting.
Bob joined the Eastern Shore Chapter of Virginia Master Naturalists in 2010. He has contributed over 16,300 volunteer hours since then (1,600 hours last year!) supporting the chapter’s mission of managing and conserving the shore’s natural resources and public lands through education, outreach, citizen science, and stewardship. He was honored by the Virginia Master Naturalist state program office for contributing the most hours of any volunteer state-wide in 2017.
He was a dedicated volunteer at the Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge. “Bob’s quiet leadership and reliability have kept programs running smoothly through every challenge” said Refuge Manager Nicole Walker. “He’s the kind of person who steps up without being asked and makes all the difference. His ability to turn complex conservation goals into engaging stories has inspired thousands of visitors and strengthened community support for our refuges.”
Bob shared his knowledge and insights as a Refuge Visitor Center volunteer and as a guide on Fisherman Island tours. Lydia Hanson, Park Ranger and Visitor Services Specialist said “Bob’s more than 10,000 volunteer hours of service here speak volumes about his commitment. He’s not just a volunteer; he’s the cornerstone of our visitor experience. People remember Bob after only fleeting interactions. He has been mentioned by name in the guest book hundreds of times, and has made the kind of positive impact most of us can only dream of.”
Bob also volunteered extensively with The Nature Conservancy. Jenny Miller, TNC Environmental Education Program Manager said “when you saw Bob Toner’s name signed up for a project, you knew you could depend on him to show up, work the hardest, and that you would enjoy the time you worked with him. From oyster substrate making to bluebird nest monitoring there’s nothing Bob wouldn’t do. Contributing countless hours to these conservation projects and more on the Eastern Shore is the legacy of dedicated volunteers like Bob. We will miss him dearly.”
Among many others things, Bob also stewarded the shore’s nature preserves. He is a dedicated birder, devoting thousands of hours to observing and documenting birds. Shannon Alexander, the Coastal Region Steward/Regional Supervisor of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Division of Natural Heritage and the ESMN Chapter Advisor said “DCR couldn’t reach as many people or accomplish our goals without passionate, knowledgeable volunteers. Bob Toner has inspired thousands of Eastern Shore locals and visitors to observe and appreciate the beautiful landscapes, seascapes, and unique diversity of plant and animal life here on the peninsula and beyond. I know he’s inspired me!”.
Bob impacted many others with his dedication to volunteer efforts such as registering people to vote and working the polls.
Bob is generous with his time, knowledge, and experience with no expectation of credit or recognition. His contagious passion for learning about and conserving nature has impacted people far and wide.
Bob will continue to be a Virginia Master Naturalist with the Tidewater Chapter and we know he will contribute in many other ways.
It’s hard to imagine the Eastern Shore without Bob Toner. He may leave the shore but he will never be forgotten. Thank you Bob, for everything.
