RECORD STAFF
For more than a century, Greenbank Farm has provided a sense of open space with phenomenal views of both Admiralty Inlet and Holmes Harbor. But what would it be like today if not for the passion and vision of local volunteers?
Judy Feldman, the farm’s new executive director, has developed an appreciation for past volunteers and a desire to find more.
It was a group of volunteers, like Kristi O’Donnell, Michael Seraphinoff, Susan Prescott and many others, who rallied to “save it” from residential development back in 1997.
And it was the Master Gardener volunteers who added the beautiful educational gardens while the Greenbank Garden Club volunteers took on the entryway plantings. It was a merry band of volunteers who kick-started the wine shop, and volunteers like Judi Moore who continue to help with inventory counts even today.
Folks like Frances Sweeny designed and built the informational signs along the walking trails. Task oriented people like Steve Holmberg, John Henderson and Brian Plebanek have maintained fences, built gates and responded to calls for help with minor repairs.
Loganberry efforts are taken on by Hercules-wanna-bes like Jerry Lloyd, Faith Wilder, Jackie Vannice, David Ridle and others.
“In short, over the years, volunteers have made Greenbank Farm more vibrant, more appealing, and more sustainable, and the Central Whidbey Lions have always been right in the middle of the action,” said Feldman.
“They built a ramp at the Jim Davis House to make it wheelchair accessible, they built the observation platform overlooking the wetland in partnership with the Whidbey Audubon Society, they provided and installed the swing set in the play area, and over the past year have built a wonderful set of benches for visitors to use while they take in the views here,” said Feldman.
The Lions understand that the farm offers them a place to make a meaningful contribution to the island, in addition to providing them with visibility, Feldman said.
“We want people to know about all the good work they are doing, not just so we can all thank them, but also so that other energetic folks looking for an organization to join know where to turn,” Feldman said.
Volunteer opportunities continue, said Feldman. “There are so many others who have been key players along the way. Way too many to mention here, and yet we are indeed still recruiting more.
“On Monday, April 15, folks are needed to come take out their buried aggressions on the Scotch broom growing out along the highway,” Feldman said.
Anyone interested in joining the lineage of those who keep the farm healthy and welcoming should contact volunteer@greenbankfarm.com.
