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.

Stafford Oliver

Since the fall of 2017, Stafford has spent almost 50 hours with our Restoration Team at tree plantings and free tree giveaways. One of our most dedicated volunteers, Stafford regularly helps our staff set up for events and even walks other volunteers through tasks during tree plantings. Learn more about what it’s like to volunteer with Blue Water Baltimore through the Q & A with Stafford below.

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

Volunteering with Blue Water Baltimore is wonderful. The staff are helpful and engaging. I really love meeting new people and exploring different neighborhoods in Baltimore. The city and county are filled with people who are committed to community and making a better place to live. 

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

There was a tree pruning in February 2021 that occurred amidst freezing rain in Clifton Park. It was my first time pruning and it was a really fun group. The weather conditions were cold, wet and miserable but there was a common recognition that we were having fun and were going to make an impact.

3. What is your favorite type of tree?

Magnolias, black gums and white oaks. 

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

These days mostly riding my bike, hiking and walking through parks. I also completed the WeedWarriors training and am nearly done with the Treekeepers certification.

5. What motivates you to keep coming back?

Volunteering is awesome. There are new neighborhoods, trees, friends to encounter. It’s a great way to spend the morning or an afternoon. Plus, there are always new things to learn.

 

“Thank you Blue Water Baltimore. Before my first volunteer event, I had never planted a tree or even considered myself an outdoorsy person. My mother and grandmother have green thumbs and its through Blue Water that I have found mine.” – Stafford Oliver

 

This blog will be updated weekly with additional volunteer spotlights!

 

[maxbutton id=”3″ url=”https://bluewaterbaltimore.org/events/” text=”Upcoming Volunteer Events” ] [maxbutton id=”3″ url=”http://eepurl.com/gHqW-D” text=”Get Volunteer Updates” window=”new” ]