Volunteer Spotlight: Jennie

Spotlighting dedicated volunteers whose time and care help the community orchard grow and flourish.

How long have you been volunteering at HOEC?

JENNIE: I have been volunteering since January 2025. However, I was the Orchard Assistant from autumn 2023–the end of 2024. Life presented me with a job opportunity I couldn’t say no to, but I just can’t give the beautiful HOEC community orchard up. It is dear to me!

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

JENNIE: It’s tricky to pick one thing! To me, the most incredible characteristic of the HOEC community orchard is that it brings together folks from every walk of life to share in the stewardship of natural food production while learning skills to care for the land, our plant companions, and the creatures that support their growth.

What’s your favorite fruit?

JENNIE: Also, so many! However, nothing beats a Howard Miracle plum plucked fresh from the tree.

What's your favorite way to eat an apple or pear?

JENNIE: With a grafting knife in hand, sharing slices and comparing flavors with other orchard volunteers while listening to Tonia’s tales of fruit lore.

What are your favorite volunteer tasks?

JENNIE: Many, again. I like getting dirty while also being up-close and personal with the fruiting plants, whether that’s trying to recall all I’ve learned of pruning, gingerly plucking tree fruit, or playing in the mud as we gather propagation material for the spring sale.

What kinds of skills have you learned volunteering at the HOEC Community Orchard?

JENNIE: Perspectives on pruning fruiting plants, mason bee care, pest identification, pest/culture control for the health of fruiting plants, how to ID ready and ripe fruit, how to build an inclusive and inspiring community culture, and many other skills...

Is there anything else you would like to share?

JENNIE: I love my time in the HOEC community orchard! I am also a mindful movement instructor, specializing in qigong. Every time I am in the orchard, it’s a chance to play with tree qi and observe the patterns of the seasons.

The HOEC community orchard is a gem that’s made possible by the efforts of community volunteers and donors. No matter who you are, you are welcome, and no contribution is too small. Come share the love, growth, and fun of playing in the HOEC orchard or simply drop in for a Saturday stroll among the fruit trees.