Clean Water, Strong Communities!

It takes a community of people to grow a community of trees. As spring arrives, Blue Water Baltimore celebrates the strong communities that work hard to clean our waterways. Check out the following spotlights to learn about some of our most dedicated partners and volunteers.

Dave Barrett

Dave has volunteered countless (hundreds of) hours with Blue Water Baltimore over the years! He splits his time between our Restoration Team and at Herring Run Nursery. He literally does everything – planting, pruning, watering, weeding, customer assistance, driving the toro, processing deliveries – you name it he will do it, and with a smile. Dave is always excited to be at work. He is reliable and fun to be around. 

Learn more about what it’s like to volunteer with Blue Water Baltimore through our Q & A with Dave below.

1. What do you enjoy most about volunteering with Blue Water Baltimore?

What I most enjoy about volunteering with Blue Water Baltimore is getting to know staff members and other volunteers.  I’ve met some wonderful people, and I’ve had some great discussions with them over the past few years.

2. Do you have a favorite memory of a BWB event?

My favorite memory is from a tree planting in Baltimore City. We were planting a red bud tree in front of a row home when the homeowner came out to greet us.  She was delighted that we were planting the tree for her.  She told us that she had been able to pick out the specific kind of tree for the planting, and she would be very excited to see the tree bloom in the spring.  She planned  to sit on her front porch and enjoy the tree when the weather was good. We could see how much it meant to her to have the tree planted.

3. What do you do when you’re not volunteering with us?

I’ve been able to become a Master Gardener through the Baltimore City Master Gardener program.  I didn’t know a great deal about gardening before I started the program. The Master Gardener classes taught me the fundamentals.  I now volunteer with the Master Gardeners in addition to Blue Water Baltimore.  With the Master Gardeners I’ve been primarily working with the Pollinator Committee.   I help take care of a pollinator garden in Baltimore City.  I’ve learned how to harvest seeds from some native perennials, and then grow plants from seed.  I enjoy taking care of my yard.  I’ve been taking out some non-native plants and replacing them with natives. Traveling and reading are both quite enjoyable for me, too.

4. What motivates you to keep coming back?

I knew when I retired that I wanted to spend some time doing what I can to improve the environment.  Blue Water Baltimore has become the venue for me to do that. The volunteer work I do for Blue Water Baltimore makes me feel good because I am able to do something positive. I also enjoy learning about trees and plants.  I continue to have a lot to learn, and I learn something new every time I volunteer.  Plus, volunteering for Blue Water Baltimore is generally outdoors.  Being outside makes me feel good.

5. What is your favorite type of tree?

My favorite type of tree is the oak.  Oak trees are majestic and beautiful, as well as very important for our local ecosystem.

6. Anything else you’d like to share!

I want to thank the Blue Water Baltimore staff and volunteers I’ve spent time with over the past few years.  I’ve learned a great deal from you, and you’ve been great company.

 

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If you’re considering getting involved in volunteering, the TreeKeepers city stewardship program (via TreeBaltimore) is a great way to start learning more about trees and ways to stay engaged.

 

This blog will be updated regularly with additional volunteer spotlights!