Reflect: A Volunteer’s Journey
For dedicated volunteer Sarah, what began as a way to complete the Master Gardener program requirements has blossomed into a deep connection with Reflection Riding's Native Plant Nursery. Since May 2022, her commitment has grown from weekly to twice-weekly visits, each day bringing new experiences and opportunities to nurture our local ecosystem on our campus.
"Working in the nursery is always an adventure," Sarah shares. "Depending on the season, I might be mixing soil, up-potting seedlings, tending to plants on the sales floor, or my personal favorite – processing seeds in the fall." She takes particular pride in knowing that nearly all the nursery's plants are propagated on-site from their own seeds, cuttings, and divisions.
Her time at Reflection Riding has sparked a deeper passion for native plants, leading her to pursue a Certificate in Native Plants through Wild Ones. This knowledge has inspired her to transform her own landscape into a pollinator-friendly haven. The impact extends beyond her volunteer hours – Sarah and her husband are active members who enjoy canoeing the creek and exploring the campus with their dog.
"Being outdoors brings me peace and helps me recharge," she reflects. "But it's more than that – it's about being part of something larger, contributing to the balance of our environment."
Reflection Riding holds a special place in Sarah's heart for another reason – it was the backdrop for her engagement photos, taken in the Philp Memorial Garden at peak bloom. This personal connection is enhanced by regular encounters with local wildlife: pipevine swallowtails in various life stages, deer, beaver, turtles, tree frogs, horses, and countless insects she documents using iNaturalist.
"These moments remind me that we're all connected," Sarah says. "Every creature, every plant plays an important role in our ecosystem."
Through Sarah's story, we see how volunteering at Reflection Riding can grow from a simple commitment into a transformative journey of learning, connection, and environmental stewardship.
