11/12/2020
Brigitta, on what she is excited to be working on during her service year:
"One day in October a group of Conservancy staff were walking in a recently restored park plaza. Everything felt bright and new and many of the beds were freshly planted or awaiting the plants that will fill them. The time, energy, and resources poured into this space speak to a hope for good things to come. As we discussed the remaining work and the amount of upkeep that this space will require to, I realized the broad possibilities of harnessing volunteer efforts. I am tasked with implementing a new program at the Conservancy: “Garden Stewards” will help in maintaining the gardens throughout the park. In that moment of observing newly planted beds I knew that this program has possibilities far beyond the areas designated as “gardens” in the park.
In working to recognize needs throughout the park, preparing a position description, and implementing training, I get to be a part of molding what the impacts of this program will be. As I hear of and see needs in the park that have to do with grounds maintenance, I can incorporate those in some way into our volunteers’ service. As I collaborate with others to prepare the position description and training material, I can advocate for considering the wider needs of the park. When it comes to caring for the landscapes of the park, through these focus areas in my service I have a voice and can make an impact. An impact that I hope will ultimately allow our volunteers, with the guidance of the Conservancy, to help maintain all the spaces in the park as places of hope and peace."
