Kicking off its tenth anniversary on July 3rd, the Oregon Garden will celebrate a history of hard work, determination and dedication that began when the Oregon Association of Nurseries first started exploring the development of a botanical garden back in the 1940s. Today, the Oregon Garden is home to more than 20 specialty gardens, waterfalls, quiet ponds, fountains, a children’s garden and a 400 year-old signature oak tree that stands 100 feet high.
In addition to being a peaceful place to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of nature, the Oregon Garden is also a wonderful place to volunteer. Where else can you plant a flower or tend a walking trail and know that visitors will enjoy your effort for months to come. If you are blessed with a green thumb, you can become a horticulture volunteer and assist staff with more advanced garden projects and care.
You could opt for the annual planting party and invite your family and friend to learn about the plant world as a group. The Oregon Garden is also looking for greeters and gift shop attendants.
If you happen to prefer the company of four-legged friends, consider a short drive to the outskirts of Silverton where you can discover a sprawling farm on a hill called the Silver Creek Animal Sanctuary. At Silver Creek, the goal is to provide a loving home for ill, abused and neglected goats and llamas, while also offering a healing, learning environment for adults and children with special needs.
Silver Creek Animal Sanctuary is currently home to 87 goats and seven llamas—all waiting to offer you a rewarding experience interacting with animals in a healthy, healing environment. Sign up for “Sanctuary Saturday” and spend an afternoon engaged in good old-fashioned hard work with the animals. Every experience includes time giving out treats and attention, which the animals love.
Check out these and other family-friendly volunteer opportunities at: www.handsonmwv.org
Melissa Gibler is the program director for HandsOn Mid-Willamette Valley United Way
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