Volunteer Team Spotlight: Volunteer Stewards
The Arboretum Volunteer Steward program was launched in 2016 to engage experienced Arboretum and Public Garden volunteers in a new opportunity to work more independently in an area of the Arboretum that they enjoy.
Each Volunteer Steward is a seasoned gardening volunteer who has already been working with one of our established weekly gardening teams, led by a horticulture staff member. To become an Arboretum Volunteer Steward, they undergo an additional orientation, then take on the special assignment of caring for a particular garden area on their own schedule. Stewards pledge to come in at least 3-6 hours per month, bring their own garden tools, and work either on their own, in pairs, or in small groups. Working in pairs is strongly encouraged for safety reasons and to have a buddy, helper, and friend to run things by.
Stacey Parker, Director of Horticulture and Engagement, raves about the Arboretum Volunteer Stewards and describes them as miracle workers. She says, “I can walk through an area where a Volunteer Steward has recently worked and it feels like a miracle! The garden is miraculously tidied up. The impact they have is truly amazing!”
Arboretum Volunteer Steward Ann Daniel shares, "Learning to care about different plants in the Arboretum gives me tremendous satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. The Arboretum Volunteer Steward role has allowed me to work in varied garden areas and learn so much. I value the chance to set my own schedule and the choice I have to work in garden areas that mean a lot to me. I also appreciate the trust that Arboretum staff have in the independent work of the Volunteer Stewards.”
Current Arboretum Volunteer Stewards include: Ann Daniel, Judy Hecomovich, Nori Reinert, David Robinson, Ginny Vaughn, Robert Ralston, Mike Lopez, Joyce Tamanaha-Ho, Jean Kridl, and Jim Dunn (seasonally). Thank you, Arboretum Volunteer Stewards!
Interested in learning more about becoming a Volunteer Steward? If you are an experienced APG gardening volunteer, come to our information session, Thursday, March 13th 11:30am-12:30pm in the Environmental Learning Center at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery. The initial training and assignments of new Volunteer Stewards are coordinated by Stacey Parker, and Kitty Bolte, GATEways Horticulturist.