Although it has been some time since I have blogged on this site, it is not because things are “quiet” at Tyler Arboretum! In transitioning back from sabbatical and then immediately heading out to sea for a 3-week field experience, I finally have my “land legs” back and am getting back “out and about” on the pathways and trails at the Arboretum this November. One of the events I recently attended was an evening to celebrate and recognize the efforts of Tyler’s volunteers.
The volunteers at Tyler Arboretum are some of the most passionate volunteers I have met, always so generous with their time and energy, and always with a smile on their faces! Each year, Tyler hosts a lovely reception with excellent food, delightful conversations, and recognition of volunteers that have donated enough hours of their time to earn The President’s Volunteer Service Award (this website will provide more information about the award). See my previous blog posts about the 2012 and 2013 Volunteer Recognition ceremonies.
Julia Lo Ehrhardt, Tyler’s volunteer coordinator, was an excellent “master of ceremonies,” providing a fascinating overview of the history of volunteering at the Arboretum. Presidential Volunteer Service Awards were earned at the Silver and Bronze level by six youth and seventeen adults for their work with summer camps, public programs, and the horticulture department. Below are some photos I took at the event in the Sequoia Room of The Barn, but the photos on the Tyler Arboretum Facebook page are much better (nice job, Laura McPhail, Tyler’s Communications Coordinator!).
This year, there were no Presidential Lifetime Award winners (volunteers that have contributed 4,000 volunteer hours or more). But I was thrilled to hear that two volunteers are “banking” their volunteer hours to achieve this recognition! And I must give a shout-out to the previous Lifetime volunteers and thank them for their time, dedication, and passion for making Tyler Arboretum the gem that it is! Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do, Joe Cultrara, Nick Greene, Wayne Keller, Michael Lenzi, Jack Nixon, Tom Reeves, Doug Robinson, and Pat Vaul.
Interested in volunteering for Tyler Arboretum? See Tyler’s Volunteer webpage for the range of opportunities available!
Journeys of Dr. G at Tyler Arboretum 