Prescott Farm establishes “Ursula Allen Volunteer Appreciation Award”
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center celebrated the efforts and achievements of volunteers last week with the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. The evening featured staff-made harvest-inspired food and drink along with beautiful autumnal décor. The dedication and efforts of all of the nonprofit’s active volunteers was noted, but staff and guests took a few special moments to honor the 22-year commitment of one particular volunteer.
When Prescott Farm was established in 1997, Ursula Allen realized it was the perfect place for her recently-retired husband, John, to volunteer and keep busy. What she didn’t know at the time was that her passion for gardening would make Prescott Farm a home-away-from-home for her, too. In his words, John is just free labor and Ursula is the brains behind the operation.
However the division of labor is actually split, the Allens’ impact on the Prescott Farm property is significant.
“Over the decades, Ursula has lead a small but vital team that provides garden resources used to educate members of our local community and beyond,” Prescott Farm Executive Director Jude Hamel said. “They have transformed our gardens into some of the most admired in the area.”
Hamel notes that the future of Prescott Farm is only as strong as its volunteer base, and the gardens are just one area where people can pitch in. From trail maintenance and chicken care to event planning and curriculum development, Lakes Region community members with a wide range of interests and skills can make a significant impact through volunteerism at Prescott Farm.
At last week’s dinner, Hamel, the staff, and fellow volunteers honored Ursula by establishing the “Ursula Allen Volunteer Appreciation Award”. The award was presented with a green garden shovel embossed with Prescott Farm’s logo and the award name along with a perpetual plaque that will be on display in the Samuel P. Pardoe Building at Prescott Farm. The names of future honorees will be added to name plates for years to come.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at Prescott Farm, contact volunteer@prescottfarm.rog or call Kathryn at 603-366-5695.