Growing Greener: Farewell to Summer
It’s difficult to believe, but summer is over and school is back in session. Again, we had an amazing season with the Green & Grow Summer Interns —they add energy, strength, and vitality to our already awesome Horticulture staff. Profiled below are the four young people who worked with our staff this summer and who were the primary care takers of the Dewey Demonstration Gardens.
Francisco continued his work with the Conservancy this summer, transitioning from our Green & Grow school year apprenticeship to the summer internship. His shining smile and hardworking mentality made him extremely valuable to our team this summer. Francisco hopes to someday become an expert in electrical repairs and landscape maintenance so that he can own his own business. He is completing his final year of high school this year and plans to return to the Greenway next summer to complete another internship! Francisco is shown here harvesting vegetables from the Dewey Garden to give to local Boston charities.
Francisco, harvesting kale
Sam also began his work with us during the school year apprenticeship and did such a great job, we kept him around for the summer! We were excited for Sam to continue his work with us because he has a calm presence and an ability to take on tasks with little direction. Sam worked closely with Gary, a member of our Horticulture staff, to learn the ins and outs of our irrigation systems. Sam is shown here instructing our office staff on how we keep the plants watered on the Greenway. Sam is headed to Mt. Idah this year to study criminal justice.
Sam, demonstrating irrigation repair
Tiffany joined us from Branching Out and the National Park Service, a partner program, where she gained many of the skills she utilized this summer on the Greenway. Tiffany’s attention to detail and ability to take initiative assured our staff that she would complete work efficiently and well. Tiffany was a priceless addition to our team and we’re going to miss her—but, we know she’s headed for great things. Tiffany is working diligently this year to save up money for business and law school next year, where we know she’ll excel as a leader.
Tiffany, with her favorite crop, carrots
Waverly joined us from the SCA (Student Conservation Association) where she worked on trails in Allendale Woods. This summer Waverly took quickly to the smaller, more detail oriented, aspects of land management and became an expert at pruning roses. Waverly even gave a talk about all of the rose varieties you can find on the Greenway and how to prune them during her internship. She was an amazing addition to our team and is applying for the Green & Grow Apprenticeship program where she hopes to learn even more about horticulture and land management.
Waverly, with her favorite crop, cucumbers
The Dewey Demonstration Garden continues to flourish, but only because of the hard work and careful attention that it was given during the summer months. Our summer interns are missed, but we know they’ll be back in the garden sooner than later! Many of them have already signed up as garden volunteers for the month of September!