March 22, 2022
The Annual Volunteer Fair introduced some of the most common recurring volunteer activities in RCMG
The annual Volunteer Fair was held virtually again this year because of COVID. All interns and mentors were encouraged to participate to learn more about the specific activities that RCMG volunteers get to due during the year. The goal of this activity is to increase both awareness and enthusiasm for the upcoming growing season, which is when most volunteer activities happen. Volunteers are invited to talk with individual project leaders to learn more about specific projects.
This year the Volunteer Fair hosted the following projects/project categories. Conversations with project leaders were held in Zoom Breakout Rooms after a general overview of the project types.
Demonstration Gardens (like the Barn Gardens, Highland Park, Roseville's Lilac Hill)
Blooming St. Paul
Community Gardens (like Frogtown, Neighborhood Gardens)
Q&A Booths (like Farmers Markets, Festivals, Fairs)
Gardens for Good
Garden Journalist
Communications Committee (for Social Media, Photography Graphic design)
Habitat for Humanity
Plant Sale
Ramsey County Sponsorship (like the Yard Waste sites and County Fair)
Speakers Bureau/ Adult Education
Answer lines (like the Arboretum Yard & Garden Hotline and Ask Extension)
Youth Projects (including St. Paul Schools, Montessori American Indian Childcare Center, Peace Sanctuary Garden, My Little Green Friends program)
A HUGE THANK YOU
Thanks to everyone who made this year's volunteer fair possible!
Our RCMG Project Leaders
Jeanne Buck – Barn Gardens, Seed Trials
Susan MItchell & Katherine Tane –Highland Demonstration Gardens
Mary Montagne – Blooming St. Paul
Gene Ranieri – Community Garden Housecall
Chris Stevens –Frogtown Green Neighborhood Gardens
Patricia Ohmas – Hmongtown Farmers Market Q&A Booth
Deon Haider – Gardens for Good
Tina Hammer – Garden Journalist
Nanette Boudreau & Stacy Sola – Communications Committee
Nancy Joyer – Habitat for Humanity
Cheryl Brady – Plant Sale
Julie Coopet – Ramsey County Fair
Liz O'Toole & Sherry Bianchi-Knod – Ramsey County Yard Waste Sites
Emily Flagstad & Karen Randall – Speakers Bureau
Jackie Froemming & Bob Bystrom – Ask Extension
Ed Shinbach – My Little Green Friends program
Susan Cathey – St. Paul Schools,
Eamon Whiteaker-Smith – Montessori American Indian Childcare Center
Megan Phinney – Peace Sanctuary Garden
Kay Wimer & Judie Ginter – New Member Committee Chairs
Brianna Gohde – AV & Technical Support