Volunteer Voices

I looooove when volunteers become known for something. Last October, during Pumpkin Carving Chaos, a friendly face just kept coming back almost every day to diligently carve pumpkins. In fact, he was here so frequently that even Kathleen B., a volunteer who manages all the stencils, and Nathan, our pumpkin […]

Last year (before I even worked at Reiman Gardens), I attended an enchanting evening here for the Winter Wonderscape Light Show. I remember being mesmerized as I walked through tunnels that dripped with light and swirled with colors, taking the cutest family pictures at the little photo op location, and […]

As a former student from Iowa State, a person who has enjoyed and been truly blessed by opportunities to volunteer from a young age, and as a volunteer manager for a good chunk of my career, it brings me a lot of joy when I see our Iowa State University […]

I often joke to colleagues and friends that even though I’m the Manager of Volunteer Engagement, it feels like it’s everyone else who gets to know the volunteers. Once you’re interviewed and oriented, many people begin to build relationships with the our amazing staff throughout Reiman Gardens. Luckily for me, […]

Each year, volunteers who log more than 200 hours of time helping at Reiman Gardens receive a free membership for the next year–it’s a lofty goal, and very few reach this distinction. Matt D., one of our regulars, has already reached almost 300 hours in 2022. (It’s not a competition, […]

Since starting as the Manager of Volunteer Engagement only a few months ago, there are volunteers who are here so often and know so much that I assume they’ve been here forever. Cindy B. is one of those volunteers, so I was shocked to learn that she only started volunteering […]

It is always sad to see a longtime volunteer say goodbye, but we’re so happy that Maite B. is chasing an opportunity in a new state. Maite originally came to the U.S. from her home country of Argentina in 2014.  She first went to Chicago to learn English, then moved […]

While many of our volunteers are folks well into (or already finished with!) their careers, we have a few dedicated young people who also pitch in with their time and boundless energy to make Reiman Gardens a welcoming, beautiful respite for our community. In May 2022, Libby M. enthusiastically joined […]

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 […]

As the new Manager of Volunteer Engagement, I knew it was going to be an incredible challenge to fill Taylor’s shoes. Her organization, creativity, and approachable personality make for a great Volunteer Manager. My hoped that our transition would be seamless for the volunteers who make it possible for Reiman […]