Volunteer Spotlight - Sarah Beckerman

​I started volunteering with HIP at the tree and shrub sale in 2023. Lots of hands are needed at this annual event. It’s a great way to meet fellow plant lovers and familiarize yourself with species native to Hamilton County.

My advice for someone getting started is: do it! HIP is a kind bunch of people always willing to listen, learn, and share experiences. Check out the events calendar on HIP’s website and find one that works for you. Definitely sign up for the mailing list and attend a monthly meeting if you can (virtual or in person, first Wednesdays 12-2pm). There are also opportunities to volunteer on your own schedule such as the mapping project and the park stewards program. Most importantly, ask questions, all sorts.

My favorite nature spot in Hamilton County (besides the jungle we call home) is Carmel Central Park. I’m very fortunate to visit this park frequently and experience the ecosystems through days, seasons, and years. It’s a nice place to be on Nature’s pace. Central Park has a wide variety of habitats and tons of species. It’s a great spot to practice plant identification and get ideas for your own landscape. You can see what does well together and what likes it where.

One word that describes my volunteer work is: community.
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Photo: Me with Ribes americanum (American black currant). I was inspired to add this plant to our yard after seeing one growing in a wet area near Carmel Creek at Central Park. Thank you to Cool Creek Park for providing such an awesome selection of species at your native plant sale this spring!

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