Next: Houston Arboretum

         Because last week was the final week to volunteer at Japhet Creek, I had to find other opportunities for volunteering. A friend had recommended me to volunteer at the Houston Arboretum. ((BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT ARBORETUM)) I filled out the volunteer application and background check and got a response in less than 24 hours. I was very amazed at how efficient and easy this process was. On Friday April 20, I had an orientation appointment scheduled to meet with the volunteer director at the Arboretum. She was enthusiastic and very appreciative to have me on board. The meeting was approximately 30 minutes long, giving me an explanation of the different possibilities of volunteer work, an overview of the different trails there are, and how to log in and out to record volunteering hours. I was already becoming very excited and could not wait to begin. The next day, April 21, was my first time to start volunteering at the Arboretum and I could not have asked for a better place to volunteer at. Yes, the day started early at 8am sharp, but the weather was perfect, 68 degrees, and a couple of other friends joined me in this volunteering extravaganza.

         First, I had to prepare by going with the trail workers volunteering group and heading to the shed to put on gloves and getting the necessary supplies needed, a shovel and a wheelbarrow. The first and only task was to go to the pile of mulch, use the shovel to put the mulch in the wheelbarrow, take this wheelbarrow to a trail located approximately 6minutes by walking from the mulch pile, and emptying and spreading it out evenly on the trail. This process is done monthly to protect and keep the soil moisturized. Multiple water breaks were needed, as this task proved to be very strenuous and required a great deal of physical strength. Three hours later, pouring sweat, and a couple of sores muscles, I once again had that feeling of satisfaction of giving back to the environment. I also surprised myself at my endurance level and being able to last that long shoveling mulch without giving up from exhaustion. A main aspect that I took from this experience was appreciating the opportunity to volunteer and give back to the environment and community.

         Reflecting back, I was in awe with the scenery, a very peaceful environment. I was mostly amazed at how the arboretum’s main focus is to preserve the environment. Not even running or biking is allowed on the trails simply to prevent the wear and tear of the soil. Going back and forth from the trail and mulch pile, hearing the sound of chirping birds and other animals was relaxing. I also saw a dead fox, and the head of the volunteer group simply moved it off the trail and left it to decompose.

I felt that I was able to contribute back to the community through this volunteering. I was able to learn ways to interact with others such as with the volunteer leaders of the group and directors of the Arboretum, skills such as team work, cooperation, and communication.