August 2017 Park Angels of the Month: Rick and Laurie Hull
When Laurie Hull moved from Virginia to Charleston two years ago, she already was thinking about how she could volunteer in her new city. So, when she saw a Garden in the Parks event advertised, she headed out to volunteer on a cold February day. She met Conservancy horticulturists Paul Wentz and Kellen Goodell plus two other Park Angel volunteers.
“I knew right away this was the volunteer organization for me,” Laurie says. “I was hooked. I signed up to be a Park Angel and volunteered at Garden in the Parks.”
Her husband, Rick, also has become a Conservancy volunteer. The couple, both retired professionally, spend their time as Aqua Angels, volunteering at Medway Park and Community Garden and with Conservancy special events. Rick also volunteers with the park bench dedication program, installing plaques on donated benches.
“The staff was so knowledgeable and appreciative of our work,” Laurie says. “All the Park Angels were so welcoming, we’ve formed many friendships. We learned so much about the plants and maintenance from volunteering in the gardens.”
The Hulls have even taken their newfound horticulture knowledge and applied it to their own yard.
They’ve been impressed with the number of volunteer opportunities and the camaraderie that forms among staff and volunteers – all while helping make Charleston’s parks a little greener.
“Volunteering for the Conservancy, you can take pride in the beautification of the parks in Charleston,” Laurie says.
Learn how you can become a volunteer here.