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December 20th 2023🌤️🌲🍀 Engaging in a volunteering activity to clean up a garden proved to be a transformative and fulfilling experience. As I entered the garden with a group of like-minded individuals, there was an immediate sense of purpose and camaraderie in the air. The overgrown foliage and scattered debris presented a canvas of potential transformation, and our collective effort was poised to breathe new life into the neglected space. The physical aspect of the cleanup was more than just pulling weeds and clearing away fallen leaves; it became a metaphorical journey of renewal and rejuvenation. The act of tending to the garden mirrored the nurturing of a community spirit, each volunteer contributing to the shared goal of restoring beauty and order to the natural environment. The therapeutic effects of working in the area were surprising. As I dug into the soil, pruned unruly branches, and swept away debris, there was a tangible connection to the earth. The act of cleaning seemed to transcend the physical labor, offering a sense of grounding and a reminder of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. It was a profound experience to witness the garden transform from a neglected space to a vibrant, cared-for oasis. Moreover, the collaborative nature of the activity fostered a sense of unity among the volunteers. We shared stories, laughter, and a collective sense of achievement as we witnessed the garden gradually regain its lost charm. The shared purpose brought together people from diverse backgrounds, creating bonds that extended beyond the confines of the garden cleanup. Volunteering in the cleanunot only had an impact on the physical environment but also left an indelible mark on my perspective. It reinforced the idea that small, concerted efforts can lead to significant positive change. The garden cleanup was not just about beautifying a space; it was a manifestation of community resilience and the power of collective action. As I reflect on this volunteering experience, I carry with me a newfound appreciation for the transformative potential of communal efforts. The garden cleanup transcended the boundaries of a simple volunteering activity; it became a lesson in unity, rejuvenation, and the profound impact that individuals, working together, can have on the spaces they inhabit. #volunteer #cleanupday #teamwork #civilengineering

🍄 Volunteer Spotlight: Ida! 🌱 Volunteer since: January 2022 👩🌾 Time donated: 301 hours 🏡 Area of Focus: Seed Program 💭 What has been your favorite TPF memory so far? My favorite activity at TPF was a class I took called “Meditation in the Garden”. It was so lovely. We learned about a variety of native plants and their healing properties, then we did a walking meditation around the demonstration garden. What made it extra special was that on this walk I met White Cloud Manzanita (Arctostaphylos viridissima, for the horticulturists).  She was in her full glory and I was captivated by her beauty. We have been great friends ever since.  She grows in my garden now. She takes my breath away every time I see her, especially when she is blooming. There are so many glorious California Native plants, but if I had to pick a favorite, this is it.  💪 What motivates you to volunteer with TPF? The mission. It is in alignment with one of the things I value most in life (nature). Also, life can be so stressful, and this…this is packaging seeds.  It’s so simple yet it holds so much meaning. The seeds for me represent hope, new growth, unlimited possibilities and in the case of these native plant seeds in California, a chance to create biodiversity wherever they are sowed. 🌿 What is something that volunteering at TPF has taught you? 
Volunteering at TPF has taught me a lot about seeds in a variety of ways. I learned to process seeds. To get to the seeds of some plants it takes a lot of work. The seeds taught me there are metaphors in everything we do. Seeds symbolize our humanity, our inner landscapes. In some cases we have to do a lot of work to get to the seeds (our heart and soul), but when we do, this creates opportunities to share our most authentic self with the world around us. Just like the seeds, we then bloom into our magnificence and spread happiness and joy. Seeds show us what we are meant to become. 📣🌸 Thank you Ida, for all of the volunteer work you do to contribute to our mission! If you're interesting in volunteering, sign up at: https://lnkd.in/gTtRxjDy #theodorepaynefoundation #californianativeplants #tpf #tpfvolunteers #volunteerwithus #getinvolved #volunteer

I learned a new skill - ‘Scything’ 🌾 My team had their annual volunteering day at Beetle Bank Farm today - every NFU Mutual employee is entitled to take part in one, and it’s a great opportunity to get outdoors, help local projects, and do some team-building! We had a great day, the weather was much better than anticipated, and although I’m probably going to ache like hell tomorrow, it was a very rewarding experience 🫶🏼 Here are some benefits to scything vs more modern techniques: 🌱It helps to protect biodiversity 🌱It promotes mindfulness 🌱It is less disruptive to wildlife 🌱It is easier to create habitat diversity 🌱It allows selective mowing 🌱It has better accessibility 🌱It has lower health and safety risks 🌱It is a good form of exercise Now I’m not saying that scything is an appropriate option for all agricultural needs, however it is making a comeback, and certainly has it’s own advantages for some forms of grassland management! #NFUMutal #Volunteering #GreatPlaceToWork #GrowWild #ScythingTheWay

Did you know Friends of the Urban Forest provides tree care as well as tree planting? These “before” and “after“ photos are from a Community Tree Care event in the Excelsior last week. The tree in the photo is an Evergreen Pear (Pyrus kawakamii) that was planted in 2019. It had a lot of thick low branches that were growing into the sidewalk and street, so our Tree Care Coordinator, Max Kerr, and four volunteers raised its canopy and made some reduction cuts on branches that were a clearance issue. They also removed its hardware (its trunk was thicker than the stakes and the arbor ties were starting to damage the bark). The volunteer in the “after” photo is Susan Green, one of our wonderful regular volunteers! A big thanks to all of the volunteers who came out to our Community Tree Care event in the Excelsior! If you’d like to volunteer planting trees, taking care of trees, or planting sidewalk gardens, check out the link in the comments for more info and to sign up. *If you’re particularly interested in tree care, there’s a Community Tree Care event this Friday, July 26th in the Bayview. Image Description Two photographs are side by side. The left photo is a “before” photo of an Evergreen Pear tree with a lot of hanging branches. The right photo is an “after” photo of the tree once the branches were trimmed. A volunteer holds shears and looks up into the tree’s branches. #climatechange #nonprofit #climateaction #green #volunteer #greytogreen #arboriculture

Hey Neighbours! 🏡 Just thinking about a recent task that brought new light—literally! 🌟 Last week we tackled some overgrown trees blocking a neighbour's window. With determination and the right tools, we opened up the view. 🪚 As we progressed, the thoughtful neighbour brought out a refreshing cold drink halfway through. 🥤 Your support and appreciation fuel these projects, making every task a shared achievement. 🙌 💚 Always Donation-Based: Since the beginning, We've operated on a donation basis. Neighbours decide what to pay, making our services accessible to all. It's not just about the tasks; it's about building connections, spreading love, and creating a positive ripple effect in the community. 🌟 If you are in the Ipswich or the surrounding areas and would like some help with any gardening/pressure washing, video editing, videography, anything else in our skill set - drop me a line, So whilst we recommend £15 - 25 an hour - You pay what you can afford and what you think the job we've done is worth. if at the end of the task, you don’t think we've done a good job, no expectation of donation at all. Thank you. 📞 07379 936 399 🌐 www.iknowaguy.today Let's keep the positive transformations going! 🌳🌼 #CommunityConnections #GardenTransformation #NeighbourhoodSupport For those of you who don't know the journey so far: Just under a year ago, at the age of 22, I left my night shifts at the warehouse, embarking on a journey with no savings but an earnest desire to create a meaningful impact in my community while forging my own path in life. Starting with simple gestures like offering free bin cleanings, I found myself diving into gardening. Armed with only bare hands and a plastic bag, I weeded and tended to gardens, with neighbours generously contributing tools and support. This transformative journey saw the growth of both my skills and toolset, from weeding to tackling diverse gardening tasks, pressure washing, painting, video editing, and learning gutter clearing. Gutter clearing was made possible by the neighbours lending me their ladders to use whilst doing their gutters. From humble beginnings of walking around, to a bike and a bag, to now cruising on an electric bike with a double child trailer, my progress is evident. While a van could be in the picture had I cut down on expenses, I have no regrets. This adventure into self-employment has allowed me to give back to the community, making a living in ways I never imagined.

Second chances and fresh starts… Last month marked the official start of Spring Equinox, Earth Hour* - an opportunity to join with others around the world to take an action for our planet, and of course Easter celebrations. Later this month, 22nd April, marks Earth Day. All these events lead to restoration and new life in all its fullness. (Also captured beautifully by the Spring blossom starting to appear in our little Meadow Orchard project - love this tine of year!) *The WWF-UK Earth hour initially started as a united lights switch off for an hour in the evening, it has since grown into inspiring actions for ‘your hour, your way’… from getting outdoors and enjoying nature, combining an action with your favourite hobby, doing a litter pick up, planting shrubs and flowers for wildlife, preparing a locally sourced meal, learning more about nature…. #MyEarthHour included: Giving a new lease of life to a pair boots - our local Timpson Group, a traditional brand with social responsibility at their heart and compassionate values, replaced the heels ready to wear again. 💚 Have you heard of A Good Thing (UK)? Businesses can add listings for surplus supplies and equipment no longer needed which are then matched up with a charity. Through A Good Thing I’ve donated couple of pieces of tech which will be given a second life helping an animal welfare charity do more good things. 💚 I also got in touch with Green Machine Computers Ltd Machines about recycling a box of old office tech. 💚 We have a couple of robins that visit our garden pretty much everyday, so we installed a robin nest - keeping fingers crossed they’ll soon discover it and start nesting there. (Excitingly we already have Starlings in one of the nest boxes we installed last winter). 💚 What actions for nature and wellbeing are you inspired to try within your space at work, home, or community? Please share your actions in the comments to help inspire even more actions :) #NatureRestoration #BetterPlanet #WellbeingForAll #EthicalBusiness

🌳 Exciting Announcement: Introducing the Million Tree Campaign in Soon Valley! 🌳 We're thrilled to launch the Million Tree Campaign, a passionate initiative by tree-loving volunteers dedicated to planting one million trees in Soon Valley over the next decade. Our goal is to plant one hundred thousand trees annually, focusing on shady, flowering, and fruit-bearing native species like Dharek, Bakain, Shehtoot, and many more. 🌿 Campaign Details: - Objective: To enhance green cover and biodiversity in Soon Valley. - Funding: Non-political, non-governmental, and solely based on volunteer services and in-kind contributions. - Process: Nurseries will be established in two stages across various villages. Seeds will be collected locally and grown from February to June for optimal germination. - Community Involvement: Volunteers and villagers will nurture these plants until they are ready for permanent planting in July. 👥 How You Can Help: Join us in making a difference: 1. Seed Collectors: Gather seeds from April to June. 2. Nursery Caretakers: Establish and maintain first and second stage nurseries. 3. Plant Caretakers: Adopt and care for plants in your premises or community areas. 4. Contributors: Donate seeds, plants, tools, or provide land for nurseries. 🌱 Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for Soon Valley. If you're passionate about conservation and want to get involved, reach out to us to become a volunteer today! #MillionTreeCampaign #Conservation #GreenFuture #SoonValley #VolunteerOpportunity #CommunityEngagement

📣 Here's our next Hull What's On video, which is all about the amazing KCOMhome team who spent the day with Pollinate Eco Garden Hornsea! ✅ To view the full video, please click here: https://lnkd.in/eARf6CkJ #CorporateVolunteering #eastriding #hull #smile365

Explore the transformative power of trails with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)! Their Recreational Trails Grants program backs both Motorized and Non-Motorized Trail Projects, fostering community connections and encouraging active lifestyles. Join us this Wednesday to delve into the myriad ways trails positively impact communities. Need assistance with your trail vision? Contact Capstone Grant Consulting for expert guidance through the application process. #TexasParksAndWildlife #RecreationalTrailsGrants #TrailFunding #CommunityRecreation #GrantWriting #CapstoneGrantConsulting"

Here’s another familiar face! Today we are spotlighting Harriet Simand as part of #VolunteerAppreciationWeek! Harriet is a retired teacher who loves gardening, travelling and dogs.   1. How long have you volunteered with Evergreen?    This is my third year as a tour guide! 2. What inspired you to volunteer with Evergreen?    I love the site, the nature and the historic buildings. I love feeling like I am in nature even though I am in the middle of the city.   3. Tell us about your roles and impact as a volunteer.     I am a tour guide for public and private tours. I also volunteer for different festivals and the craft club. I love meeting the public and sharing the unique history of Evergreen Brick Works with them. I have been coming here for years and had no idea about its history!   4. What’s your favourite thing about volunteering at Evergreen Brick Works?   I love interacting with the public, especially kids, and spending time with my fellow tour guides who are so much fun to hang out with.   5. What’s the most important thing that you’ve learned from volunteering?    Interacting with people in nature makes everyone happy. 6. Why do you think access to green public space is important? We live in a big city with lots of buildings and concrete. We often overlook the ravines and the plants and animals who live there. You can feel part of nature even if you live in a big city.