Volunteer Voices

The Pacific Northwest has been described as a “place to spark our senses.” Being a volunteer at Bloedel, I have fun while participating in the vital vision of the founders and stewards of this land.

I appreciate learning from the staff and other volunteers. Every time I am with the staff they take the time to enlighten me with their expertise.  I have worked with Bob in the Japanese garden, with Hayley and Fen in the bird marsh, and often with Philip in the plant nursery.  In the last few weeks I worked with Philip and Etta on gourds for the autumn decorations and with Erin and volunteers to make origami cranes to decorate the Japanese garden.

Special experiences are guided learning experiences as mushroom identification and strolls for well-being; meetings inside the Japanese house; and the volunteer picnics to spend more time with volunteers and other staff as Ed, Andre, and Meg.

I was excited by a tour, planned by Meg, to the Weyerhaeuser Bonsai collection, but COVID precautions cancelled those plans.  Meg takes good care of us with her encouragement and attention.

Thank you for allowing me to participate in this nurturing environment with such dynamic and supportive staff and volunteers.