Thank You, Volunteers!
Posted in People on November 25 2009, by Plant Talk
Garden Honors Those Who Served in Record Numbers
Carol Capobianco is Editorial Content Manager at The New York Botanical Garden.
Earlier this year both Mayor Bloomberg and President Obama issued a call to action, encouraging New Yorkers and all Americans to volunteer in their communities.
Many regarded the call and came to volunteer at The New York Botanical Garden in record numbers during a challenging year for cultural institutions. They contributed to every program, project, and department, helping to ensure that, alongside staff, the Garden would rise above financial obstacles.
Margaret Horgan of the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx heeded the words of the Mayor and President and in June became a volunteer for the first time in her life—choosing the Garden as the place she’d give of her time. Here, as a newcomer, she is open to whatever is asked of her, from stuffing envelopes to greeting visitors.
“I try just about everything and anything,” said Margaret, who also credits her neighbor’s influence for finally getting involved 10 years after retiring as an administrative assistant. “I’m a Bronxite, and I love the Garden; it’s a gem. I wanted to give something back.”
Margaret is one of many first-time volunteers the Botanical Garden welcomed this year and one of a record 1,109 people who gave 84,000 hours, playing a major role in making the Garden a special place to visit. She was among those present at this year’s annual lunch reception, which honors, praises, and thanks Garden volunteers for their generous service.
“This dedicated, loyal, and fearless group of people inspires me every day,” says Jackie Martinez, Director of Volunteer Services (pictured above at podium). “They come and volunteer sometimes at a moment’s notice, bringing their energy and skills, dedication and loyalty. The Garden truly appreciates and admires them, and I personally thank them for their support and kindness.”
Volunteers who have contributed over 200 hours were particularly acknowledged. Among those was Anthony Napoli of Yonkers, (seated at right in the photo at right) retired from the electronic engineering industry, who has been giving of his time here for 15 years. He primarily gives tours on the Tram and in the Conservatory. “I often joke that I like to tell people where to go,” he said. But on a more serious note, he praised the Garden for the calmness it evokes. “It’s a nice place to come to. You see the seasons pass. When you come inside the gate, you forget everything.”
Joe Kilbourn of Bronxville, who is self-employed in the advertising and marketing field, also finds volunteering at the Garden relaxing. “It takes off the stresses of life to be back in nature,” he said. A volunteer for three years, he comes about once a week to help replant in the Nolen Greenhouses or plant trees and gather seeds for propagation in the Forest. He enjoys the camaraderie of the other volunteers and staff and in increasing his knowledge of ecology and gardening.
Daria Gregg of Ossining, a medical technologist, also works in the Forest, but as part of the Citizen Scientist phenology program, collecting data about trees once a week to track possible effects of climate change. “I’ve learned so much about trees,” she said. “I always loved to walk in the woods, and now I have an increased knowledge and appreciation of the natural world around me. If you love plants, there’s a place at the Garden for you.”
Each volunteer has a unique and inspirational story to tell. The Garden’s volunteers understand what it means to contribute to their community and, specifically, to this world-class, important institution in their midst. Thanksgiving is a fitting time to appreciate the Garden’s leadership role in plant research, horticulture, and education and to support its mission by becoming a volunteer.
If you would like to volunteer at the Botanical Garden, contact Jackie Martinez, Director of Volunteer Services, 718.817.8564 or volunteer@nybg.org
