Staff Lead Highlight: Jennifer Davit, Horticulturalist & Staff Lead at Cox Arboretum MetroParkAt Five Rivers MetroParks, we're lucky to have dedicated staff who truly bring our mission to life. One standout is Jennifer Davit, our talented Horticulturist at Cox Arboretum MetroPark. Jennifer joined us in April 2023, starting with the Urban Zone before moving to Cox Arboretum in October. At Cox, she's inspired by the Pollinator Habitat, the Barbara Cox Center for Sustainable Horticulture, and the Maimon Memorial Garden, which focuses on edible landscaping.Jennifer's journey into horticulture began at Wright State University, where she studied biology and managed a greenhouse, growing wetland plants for habitat restoration. This experience ignited her passion for ecology and horticulture, leading her to earn a master's degree from Cornell University. With over 20 years in public gardens across the country, Jennifer brings a wealth of experience to our team. For Jennifer, the most rewarding aspect of her role is the positive feedback from visitors. Jennifer shares, "So many of them (visitors) appreciate the level of care we provide for the landscape and use the Arboretum daily. It's great to feel we are part of people's daily connection to nature. I also find inspiration in watching visitors and my own kids enjoy the new Nature Play at Cox." While Jennifer's time outside work is limited due to her responsibilities as a mother to two young children, she dedicates her own volunteer efforts to their school activities and sports teams. Jennifer believes that developing personal relationships with volunteers is crucial. She enjoys learning about why they choose to volunteer and hearing their stories. Many volunteers come in pairs, having been friends for years, and she finds joy in learning about their friendships and how volunteering at Cox has become a part of their bond. Jennifer shares, "Two of our volunteers, Joyce and Terry, worked as ICU nurses together and now volunteer at Cox together every Thursday- they have great stories to tell and I always enjoy working alongside them". Gardening volunteers at Cox handle essential tasks like weeding, planting, mulching, and seed sowing. Jennifer emphasizes that their support is crucial to the park's operations, and their presence makes the work more enjoyable. "Volunteers play a crucial role in getting projects done, but they also serve as Five Rivers MetroParks ambassadors in our community. They recruit friends to come volunteer, encourage people to attend our programs and visit our parks", said Jennifer. Jennifer Davit's dedication to her work and our volunteers embodies the spirit of Five Rivers MetroParks. Her commitment to building relationships and engaging with the community ensures our parks remain vibrant and welcoming for everyone. Join Jennifer at the Cox Arboretum Gardening opportunities! View Cox Arboretum Gardening volunteer opportunities here. Or join us for our next Volunteer Open House, where you can meet one-on-one, in person, with a Volunteer Coordinator and learn how you can support this opportunity! Click here to RSVP to an upcoming Open House. Thank you, Jennifer, for being a true supporter of volunteers and volunteerism at MetroParks! |
Volunteer Services is available if you have questions or need assistance with Get Connected. Contact us at volunteer.services@metroparks.org or call #937-275-7275 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Coordinator.
Return to the Volunteer Blog here. |
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Jul 25, 2024
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by Volunteer Services
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