Spotlight on Volunteer Shutterbugs

Spotlight on Volunteer Shutterbugs

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Things change fast around here, and sometimes the staff can’t find time to photograph everything! Between blooms we want and weeds we don’t, new butterfly species entering the Wing, and the seasonally changing exhibits, we are grateful to our small but incredibly talented resident shutterbugs, like volunteers Linda W. and Rick B. While we have a few other fantastic photographers who provide us with photos when they can, Rick and Linda are often onsite at least once a week getting photos of events, flora and fauna, happy visitors, and everything in between. Let’s get to know these two amazing photographers and volunteers!

Rick B., volunteer since 2018

black and white image of a man looking directly into the camera

 

Why did you first decide to volunteer at Reiman Gardens?

Reiman Gardens was a place I enjoyed visiting and spending time. There always seemed to be something new to see and volunteering nudged me to be there more often and miss fewer things.

Why do you continue to volunteer here?

I enjoy working with the other volunteers, getting to know them and their interests. I also appreciate the chance to work with the visitors and talk to them about the Gardens.

What types of volunteering have you tried, and what are your favorite volunteering opportunities?

I started as a butterfly wing docent and from there found other ways to be involved. I work with the education programs, Caterpillar Club, school and adult tours, and photography for the Gardens. I really enjoy the photography, whether it is a major event or simply walking around seeing what people are doing and what plants are coming in or going out.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t at Reiman Gardens?

I am active in the Nevada Kiwanis Club and the Nevada Community Garden group. I take OLLI classes and photography classes, while keeping up and catching up with friends.

Linda W., volunteer since 2020

 

woman and man sitting with three young children wearing Mickey Mouse ears

Linda with her husband, Scott, and grandchildren

Why did you first decide to volunteer at Reiman Gardens?

I wanted to give back to my community by doing something I loved in a place I loved. So, few years ago, when I saw an ad in the newspaper seeking volunteer photographers at Reiman Gardens, I was interested. At the time, though, I still had kids at home and was finishing my master’s degree. I just couldn’t afford the time. However, fast forward a few years and life settled down. Right as the pandemic was ramping up, I reached out to see if there was still a need. Fortunately, there was and I was able to train remotely and then wait for the day the gardens opened again. I clearly remember the first time back in Reiman Gardens, mask and all. That day was just joyful.

Why do you continue to volunteer here?

What could be better than walking around the gardens, capturing its beauty, and sharing that beauty with others? There is always something new to see and experience, no matter the season. I love the fun of exploring the gardens with a fresh eye each time, looking for a new angle or a new way to display how amazing the gardens are and how blessed we are to have such a wonder in our community.

What types of volunteering have you tried, and what are your favorite volunteering opportunities?

I’ve been a lifelong volunteer, like many of our volunteers, so it would be hard to capture all. My favorite volunteering opportunities currently, besides Reiman Gardens, would be serving on the Main Street Nevada Board of Directors and serving as a Eucharistic Minister for patients at Mary Greeley Medical Center on behalf of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church.

What do you do for fun when you aren’t at Reiman Gardens?

My husband and I have raised five children, three of whom we adopted from Russia, and we now have eight grandchildren age three and under. They all keep us very happy and very busy.

We also love to travel. We’ve visited numerous countries in Europe, as well as Iceland, Russia, Colombia, Panama, Mexico, various territories in Canada, and states across the United States including Alaska. We’re always thinking about the next trip!

Thank you to Rick, Linda, and all of our volunteer photographers! If you’d like more information about volunteering as a photographer or for any of our other volunteer opportunities, learn more here.