Volunteer Appreciation
181 individuals devoted over 500 hours of service to the Greenway over the past year. Through 38 separate events, volunteers assisted with horticulture, programs and general office needs. The Greenway drew a diverse group of committed individuals that included young and old, students and corporate teams, residents and commuters. Our supportive partners rallied troops from Boston Cares, Mass Bay College, State Street, Bank of America, Edison Mission, Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney, US Coast Guard, The Intercontinental Hotel and Equity Offices at Rowe’s Wharf.
Volunteer group from Intercontinental Boston
With help from volunteers, we were able to install of over 1,200 Chrysanthemums in Chinatown, plant over 13,000 spring flowering bulbs park wide and introduce nearly 50 new plant varieties to the Greenway. Also, with help from volunteers, we were able to navigate 3,000 kids through the Halloween hay maze and put together 500 luminary bags for Bright Lights for Winter Nights.
Volunteers planting Chrysanthemums in Chinatown Park
On Wednesday, January 20, an appreciation luncheon was held in honor of those volunteers who went above and beyond the call of duty and who repeatedly devoted time to helping the Greenway. Executive director, Nancy Brennan thanked this special group for their dedicated service and Superintendent of Horticulture, Thomas Smarr sang their praise.
Executive Director, Nancy Brennan thanks our volunteers for their hard work
One of our faithful volunteers, Peter Zalewski was among those honored and explained why he continues to help out on the Greenway, “A few years ago, I moved to Boston from New Hampshire where I had a home with a garden and lots of green space. It’s different living in a city. The Greenway provides a green space to pursue my gardening hobby and at the same time give back to the community.” Peter also has a love for learning and being outdoors and said the Horticultural staff is a great bunch to work with, “They really are an outstanding group of nice, knowledgeable people. Every time I volunteer it is a truly enjoyable experience. The staff provides a wealth of knowledge about the plants and the process.” Peter has enjoyed witnessing the growth of the Greenway, “Since the Greenway Conservancy took over care of the parks three years ago, they have become more beautiful and more welcoming with the addition of new plantings, tables & chairs for gathering and…the food. The food is awesome! These are the things that bring people here.”
Peter Zalewski with Superintendent of Horticulture, Thomas Smarr
Thank you to all our volunteers who make it happen on the Greenway. Without your time and efforts so much of what we do would not be possible.
If you are interested in volunteering with the Greenway visit our website for more information.