Spring has always been my favorite time of year at Longwood. As the days grow longer and the temperatures warm, our Gardens come alive with the colors and scents of the season. But beyond the beauty of our Gardens, spring is also a special time for us, with Volunteer Appreciation Week, celebrated nationally from April 20 to 26. This week gives us a special opportunity to honor the incredible dedication of our volunteers and express our heartfelt appreciation for their commitment to Longwood, and the monumental impact they make to our Gardens.
Longwood’s Volunteer Program began in 1989 when our very first volunteer, Hugo Taraboletti, shared his expertise in orchid cultivation with our horticulture staff. What began as a single volunteer’s contribution has blossomed into a thriving team of 575 passionate individuals who share their time and talents to support Longwood’s mission and vision for the future. As Longwood’s Director of Volunteer Engagement, I am so fortunate to work with these amazing people every day.
Volunteer Hugo Taraboletti, Longwood’s first volunteer, is shown caring for our orchid collection. Taraboletti worked in the production division of Horticulture and amassed 10,952 volunteer hours before his passing in November 2003.
Since 1989, volunteers have generously given more than 1.2 million hours of their time in support of our Gardens. This staggering number speaks volumes about the passion and commitment of our volunteer team. It’s not just about the number of hours, however; it’s also about the quality of those hours. Volunteers can be found supporting nearly every division of Longwood in a variety of roles: engaging with and educating our guests, caring for our natural lands, maintaining our plant collections, photographing and documenting our displays, and so much more!
From left, Horticulture Specialty Grower Kevin Bielicki and Volunteer Steve Ittel gently position a chrysanthemum bonsai for our Chrysanthemum Festival. Photo by Carol Gross.
Last year, we were incredibly honored to present nine of our Longwood volunteers with the highest honor from the President’s Volunteer Service Award – the Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious national recognition celebrates volunteering and the incredible impact volunteering has on community, and is given to volunteers who dedicate more than 4,000 hours of volunteer time. This year, we are incredibly honored again that two more of our volunteers will be receiving this remarkable recognition.
Volunteer Ed Leinbach, who dedicates his time supporting research in our lab. Photo by Morgan Horell.
We are so proud of the unwavering commitment of our volunteer team. Many of our volunteers have been with us for years, some for decades, bringing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm to everything they do. We have 30 volunteers that have been in our program for more than 20 years and eight that have dedicated over three decades as a Longwood volunteer. Some have backgrounds in horticulture, while others have spent years developing expertise in the art of guest engagement.
Volunteer Tom Kalina refills the Wildlife Tree, which nourishes our feathered and furry friends during A Longwood Christmas. Photo by Amy Simon Berg.
Every volunteer brings a unique perspective and skill set that is valued within our organization. In addition to their expertise in their volunteer role, many of our volunteers have formed lasting friendships with one another and with our staff. The camaraderie between volunteers and staff is one of the aspects I cherish most about our program. Together, we create a tight-knit community that thrives on collaboration, mutual respect, and a shared love for our Gardens.
From left, Senior Land Stewardship Technician Pandora Young and Volunteer Bob Gastinger team up to remove weeds in Peirce’s Woods. Photo by Carol Gross.
As our Volunteer Program continues to grow, it continues to support the mission of our Gardens as we inspire everyone through the beauty of nature, conservation, and learning—and our gratitude for our volunteers remains constant. Volunteers are sharing their most cherished resource with us—their time—and we are truly honored.
Volunteer Barbara Chisena engages with our guests. Photo by Sue Hare.
So, as we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we express our deepest gratitude to all of our volunteers. Whether they’re helping to care for our plants, supporting our educational programs, or engaging with our guests, they are making a lasting impact on our Gardens. Volunteers are truly the heart of Longwood, and we are deeply grateful to have them as part of our team.
