Aqua Angel: Joanne B. Milkereit
This summer, a dedicated group of Parks Conservancy volunteers are braving the Charleston heat and humidity to keep our parks looking great. Each week they water the plants, inspect the beds and pick up litter. We call them our Aqua Angels and have crowned each with an H²O Halo! Over the next few weeks, we’ll be highlighting our Aqua Angels. And when you see them out in the parks, give them a big “thank you!” This week read about Joanne B. Milkereit, who is watering the Courtyard Garden at the Gibbes Museum.
Why did you sign up to be an Aqua Angel?
I like to help maintain our parks and watering seemed like an easy thing to do. It’s easy on the knees. I chose a site that is an easy bike ride from my home. I water early in the morning. My site is in the shade and I’ve found there is always a cool breeze blowing through the Gibbes courtyard that time of day.
Which Charleston park is your favorite and why?
Colonial Lake is my favorite. Jogging and now walking around Colonial Lake has been part of the daily routine of my husband and mine (and formerly two dogs) for the 31 years we’ve lived in Charleston. Hampton Park is a favorite destination when we’re in the mood for a bike ride. I love the tiny parks on Chapel Street and the new landscaped area at Rutledge and Calhoun. These tiny places make our city pretty.
What’s your favorite summertime park activity or event?
An evening walk around Colonial Lake is often pleasant.
Why should someone become a Park Angel and volunteer with the Conservancy?
I became a Park Angel because these activities help make our neighborhoods places people want to live. I’ve been partly disappointed in the responses of Presidents Bush and Obama to the economic, energy and security crises in the past 10 years. They did not challenge citizens to look around them and find opportunities to improve their communities. I believe each citizen can do something to improve his community. Being a Park Angel is one of the community activities I’ve chosen.
An added benefit of being a Park Angel is learning more about plants. I’ve taken advantage of free or low-cost classes offered by the Conservancy. Also I learn something from Paul Wentz every time I work with him.
*Interested in becoming an Aqua Angel? Contact our programs director Paul Wentz at pwentz@charlestonparksconservancy.org.*