Volunteer Voices

The Gift of Bloedel Reserve

After driving an hour from Port Townsend to Bainbridge Island, I arrive at Bloedel Reserve and feel all my tension release. My breathing slows down. My senses awaken. I’m in awe of my surroundings. Allowing myself plenty of time to amble through the cool forest treasures, I settle into my position as a docent, greeting guests, answering their questions, and extolling the many wonders of this magical place. By the time visitors reach the Residence where I’m based, they too have become very mellow – all concerns left behind.

In the summer months, I’m an Ambassador at the Japanese Guest House, an architectural marvel designed by Paul Hayden Kirk. On one side rests a contemplative Sand and Stone Garden. The deck on the other side overlooks an expansive Japanese garden surrounding a peaceful pond designed by Mr. Fujitaro Kubota. Just below the deck rests a 150-year-old Japanese maple tree with its intricate tangle of branches and lacy leaves that turn bright orange in the fall.

Virginia and Prentice Bloedel retired to this estate, living there for 30 years, from 1953 to 1983. Desiring to share what they found, and science confirmed, to be the therapeutic power of nature, they donated the entire property to a non-profit organization and designated it to be open for the enjoyment of the public. Whenever I leave the Reserve, I always stop by the Reflection Pool where their ashes are interred, to give thanks to this generous couple.

Volunteering at Bloedel Reserve delights my soul. It fulfills my desire to share my love of nature, with its carefully curated gardens set amidst the tall trees of the northwest forest, with those who come to dwell in it. Seeing visitors relax and revel in the beauty of their surroundings gives me great pleasure.

Photos and content provided by Araya Sol; photos of Araya by Cliff Crutchfield.