Yesterday afternoon I met for the first time Treerific to offer my services in volunteering for them. "TREErific is a community group with a mission: Enriching our community through the planting, caring, and promotion of trees. TREErific volunteers meet monthly for educational presentations or activities and to plan and sponsor tree planting or maintenance projects."
How my first experience went with them, that is what I am sharing down below.
I wasn't sure what to expect on a fine Wednesday afternoon, when arriving at the local organic store called "Natural Pantry" to meet for the first time the chair board members of Treerific for a lunch gathering. I was somewhat nervous, wondering if i was under prepared to face them. I had been looking forward to meeting them since last week, with my work schedule I wasn't sure how much of a reality that was going to be this week, I thought I was going to end up missing my first opportunity to sit down with them. However to my glee everything happened to have worked out and I can't tell you how overjoyed that I am about my experience with them yesterday.
I ended up arriving at 'Natural Pantry" 30 minutes early. I found the little cafe, that was right next to the deli there. Small little eating area with plants covering the walls and a white picketed fence separating the dinning area from the rest of the store. Very simple looking, yet relaxing.
Slowly close to noon, the board members started to arrive. The first one I met was Scott Stringer, whom I assume is around my own age. He came into the Dinning area with a authority feeling towards him, yet a calm and friendly energy. He looked very relaxed and yet professional. He welcomed me to the meeting and asked me if I knew this was a board meeting. Which I said yes that I was invited. Yet I was wondering if I should go, didn't want to intrude. He welcomed me to stay, since I made the effort to be there. I learned right away that Scott is a highly intelligent man and very kind. He included me in to what Treerific was all about and the history behind it.
The second man I met was Mark Gordon. A older gentleman perhaps around his 40's or 50s. He was more laid back dressed. You could feel comfortable energy around him and he made me feel right at home. I won't forget his warm smile when we first met, just comforting. Before he had arrived at the meeting, he had been out bug hunting and checking up on the local trees around town. It was mind blowing how intelligent he was, and how much I learned from just having a conversation with him. Mark did make a point to make me feel welcomed to the group, he sat down right next to me, and kept telling me jokes on and off during the meeting, while flashing me a warm smile here and there.
The third man I met was the one that I talked to on the phone a week ago and whom had invited me to the meeting. Stephen Nickel. Whom I assume is also around my age. He was very well dressed and professional appearing. He carried a friendly and happy presence to him. He also is the one leading the group.
Cathy Gleason was the last one to arrive, but not late on any note. She I assume must be in her late 30s or so. Very pleasant woman and the type that gets projects done and rolling. She was very friendly and had a good sense of humor to her.
Once everyone arrived, then all eyes were on me and the questions came rolling. They were curious about my passions in this and reasons for wanting to get involved in Treerific. As I told them, I grew up in the wilderness pretty much and I love nature. I want to help persevere as much as I can. I also told them my plans for going back to college in natural science and environmental studies. Which they all seemed pleased with my answers.
I am a volunteer for many other community organizations around town. I have to say this one has made me feel the most welcomed from the start. I was almost mind blowing and a great feeling.
I mostly sat next to Mark, and listened to the conversations that was going around the table. Near future plans in getting the community more involved in taking care of trees, learning the proper tree care methods and passing on education about the environment. The Plans for tree walks around certain parts of Anchorage. Which area's that need to be replanted and get the ball rolling on that. Getting volunteers to help in the care of trees. Lengthy discussion on signific trees and moose fencing techniques for the summer and winter months. A debate on root washing and bare root and which one is better. As the conversations and debates were going on, humor and laughs were also filled into the mix. The board members would stop and explain to me what they were planning and if I had anything I would like to add. They even came up with a award plan for business to courage them to take better care of the trees on their property's.
As I listened and took in all that they had to say and share. I felt my passion lite up more. This is that path I want to follow. They four individuals that I met that day, inspired me more then I can say. Just with their friendly and welcoming attitudes. Listening to them and seeing how much they really do care. I couldn't help but smile the entire time i was sitting there with them.
I know the next step in is that Treerific is doing is on July 1st, going to do an educational course on root washing and tree planting. Which is on my birthday and if you ask me, spending my birthday planting trees, it the way I want to spend it.
The meeting lasted for a hour and half. Within that hour and a half I had learned so much about soils, diversity of trees, and the proper tree care as well as concerns of hazards to trees.
I shook hands with each one of them and thanked them so much for allowing me to stay and listen to the discussions. I have been invited to the next one, I am so excited.
My goal is too try and get more information out about Treerific this month, I am hoping to get more people involved with taking care of the trees and environment.
So tomorrow after I get off work, I am going to sit down and make and print a ton of flyer's.
