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We Love Our Volunteers! Spotlight: Will Johns

Clean Water, Strong Communities!

It takes a community of people to grow a community of trees. As another wonderful tree planting season draws to a close, 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.

Will Johns

Will is a resident of Broadway East, where Blue Water Baltimore installed over 300 new street trees in 2021. Our staff met him last fall while door knocking on his block to inform residents that new ‘Trees Are Coming!’

Will selected an American elm to be planted in front of his home and then asked how he could get involved. Over the following weeks, Will volunteered  with our team to plant dozens of trees across his community!

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

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

I enjoy the chance to make a impact by planting trees and also being around like-minded people who also care about nature and the environment.

One of my favorite memories was learning how how to level the tree out in the ground (finding the correct depth for the root ball) and also how to pound in the wooden stakes to stabilize the tree.

2. What do you do when you’re not planting trees with us?

When I’m not volunteering I’m usually cycling, traveling or spending time with my dogs. I’ve been working as a longshoreman for the Port of Baltimore for 14 years now. I really enjoy my work. There is nothing like working outdoors by the water and getting some nice views of nature.

3. Anything else you’d like to share?

I just want to thank Blue Water Baltimore for all they are doing for the environment and for allowing people to come help out and enjoy the experience. I’ve always had a interest in nature and saw a real opportunity to help with Blue Water and more recently with the WeedWarriors (invasive species training program of TreeBaltimore, Recreations and Parks Department). I think its really important to help out as much as possible to combat global warming because it effects everyone from all walks of life.

Will (left) planting alongside staff and volunteers in the East Baltimore communities of Broadway East and Oliver.

 

“I enjoy the chance to make a impact by planting trees and also being around like-minded people who also care about nature and the environment…I’ve been working as a longshoreman for the Port of Baltimore for 14 years now. I really enjoy my work. There is nothing like working outdoors by the water and getting some nice views of nature.” – Will

 

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 weekly with additional volunteer spotlights!

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