As proved by the example of Hendricks Park in Eugene, Oregon, local volunteerism is a vital element of park maintenance. These photos document the weekly volunteer effort to cultivate and preserve the Hendricks gardens.
Carrie Karl (pictured center), Natural Area Volunteer Coordinator for Eugene Parks & Open Spaces, leads the weekly volunteer group at Hendricks Park on Tuesday morning. Regular volunteers from the community gather as they prepare the soil for donated plants.
Karl takes a short break from planting a sapling near the main entrance of the park. As Natural Area Volunteer Coordinator, Karl works in tandem with community members and park staff to ensure park cleanliness.
Karl unloads shovels and rakes from her truck for the Tuesday morning volunteer crew. As part of her role, Karl is responsible for providing the tools needed for planting and maintenance.
Karl admires a decaying leaf while checking in on volunteers working in the Hendricks native plant garden. This garden thrives on the effort of volunteers who clear out invasive weeds and protect the native species.
Karl (pictured right) examines the taproot of a donated plant with Hendricks Park Field Lead Emily Aune. Donations and volunteers are always welcome at Hendricks; approximately 10-20 volunteers show up each Tuesday Morning through the end of November.
