Arunie began volunteering with Loudoun Wildlife in 2021 when she helped at JK Black Oak Wildlife Sanctuary. Since then she has participated in Butterfly Counts, helped decorate our Leesburg Independence Day Parade float, pulled invasive Garlic Mustard at Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, and volunteered at the Harrison Street meadow. Arunie helped us with a dragonfly program in June and a butterfly walk in July.

Arunie Clark

Arunie’s favorite thing in nature is hiking. She says it is the “best of all worlds” because you get to enjoy nature while getting exercise and relief from stress. Arunie also likes hiking because “you can enjoy it year round with all of the wonderful places we have nearby as well as find hiking options anywhere you travel.” She spent most of last year and the beginning of this year training for a hike to the Mount Everest Base Camp!

The Everest Base Camp, which sits at an elevation of 17,598 feet, involved a 9-day hike, and Arunie fondly recalls the experience here:
The trail was challenging — long, steep, and filled with endless stone steps. The altitude really kicked in during the last two days; I lost my appetite completely and couldn’t eat a thing. Thankfully, we took a helicopter back to Kathmandu, and I was more than relieved not to have to hike all the way down.

Despite the physical challenge, the journey was unforgettable. We passed through picturesque villages, met incredible people, and were treated to stunning mountain vistas. The weather kept us on our toes — one minute we were in t-shirts, the next bundled up in full winter gear. It even snowed the day after we left Base Camp.

One of my favorite memories was watching long trains of mules and yaks hauling goods up the mountains. Seeing them cross the swaying suspension bridges high above the valleys was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Congratulations to Arunie for accomplishing this hike. Thank you for sharing this experience with us and for choosing to volunteer with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

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