Neil Mackay - Getting Outside and Giving Back
Neil Mackay just began volunteering with MetroParks last fall and already has become a dedicated volunteer in our multiple areas. You can find him at Riverscape on workdays, but he also shares his time at 2nd Street Market, with Conservation in their propagation opportunities, and any interesting workday that fits his schedule. Neil has enjoyed the parks, and you can see him hiking in the parks when he is not volunteering. He has said as a volunteer you get to meet new people, do things you like, find opportunities at a diversity of locations, and loves that there is always something different to do and learn. We kid him about how much "retired" time he spends with us, and he kids back "That is because when the opportunity on the Zamboni becomes available, I want to be first in line".
Amy Kennedy, Lead Horticulture Technician at Riverscape, shared this about Neil:
"He is a wonderful volunteer and we are very lucky to have him! Neil is very dedicated, very dependable, and never hesitates to help in every aspect of the park, whether picking up trash, building beaver cages, or planting bulbs. He goes above and beyond to help out no matter what the task at hand is even if it is not his favorite. He also attends different conferences throughout the city to learn about new plant materials and new ideas in the plant world. I joke with him all the time that he needs to apply for one of our part-time positions and get paid for the things he does for us, but he kindly declines and says he enjoys the title after his name ' 'Retired'. We truly appreciate how much of a Horticulture Rockstar Neil is!"
Neil believes in giving back and making a difference, and we are grateful he is sharing his time and experience with us.
Thank you, Neil, for your outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Five Rivers MetroParks!
Meet More Amazing Five Rivers MetroParks Volunteers in our Volunteer Spotlights
