I Volunteered at a Community Garden
After the author and a friend dismantle a garden bed, they collect soil to transfer into a pot to promote plant growth. Photo: Ayelen Fernandez
By AYELEN FERNANDEZ
“Here’s the game plan: pick up gloves, grab shovels and put your game face on,” someone shouted as we all huddled around each other, listening attentively for orders. Suddenly it felt less like volunteering and more like we were gearing up for an upcoming match. The sun shone brightly over us as music played, setting the atmosphere for the next few hours to come. For once, doing good for the planet actually felt thrilling.
On April 26, I joined Volunteer Day at the Whole Neighborhood Garden in Bedford Stuyvesant in honor of Earth Day, joining a neighborhood effort to raise environmental awareness and focus on improving local green spaces in hopes of shaping a greener future for New York City. A tradition going back to the 1970s has grown into celebrations citywide that continue to unite communities providing long term care for parks and gardens.
It was finally my turn to take part in this meaningful tradition. What started as a curious search for Earth Day events online quickly became a desire to step out of my comfort zone, leading me to a hands-on volunteer opportunity.
When I walked into the park, tables lined up at the entrance were filled with rakes and shears, and located nearby were wheelbarrows. Volunteers began to introduce themselves; some people looked experienced while for others, such as myself, it was obvious that it was our first time. However, the welcoming energy made everyone feel at home.
Handed a drill and screwdriver, I found the mission was simple: dismantle the garden bed in front of me and collect the rich soil to transfer into a wheelbarrow for future uses. With no prior experience at all but a willingness to help, I assured my group we would be done before we knew it -- boldly ignoring the fact that it was some of our first times doing anything of the sort.
After many failed attempts and multiple screws that won the battle against us, our supervisor Elizabeth Carter came to the rescue, showing how a shovel can get the job done just as quickly. “It's not about how much force you put into it but finding the right angle,” she said as she placed the shovel between the gaps of two wood blocks and hit the blade several times, loosening the structure. In awe, I watched as something I deemed indestructible just a few seconds before began to fall apart with ease.
Inspired by her confidence, members of the group quickly started to follow her lead. As she spoke with such certainty, I analyzed each movement and mentally jotted down key details important to the dismantling process.
Though I struggled to successfully dismantle my own garden bed, each setback served as encouragement to continue. Kaylor Morgan, a volunteer who frequently participates in community-oriented events, said, “Don’t worry, you're doing great. It took me a couple tries to perfect my strategy; that's what kept me coming back.”
“You come here for the first time thinking you're just giving back to the community,” she said, “but in reality you learn new skills, create connections, and most importantly, you're taking part in making a difference.”
Her words stuck with me like glue. Looking around, I saw that the majority of participants' ages ranged from 25 through 50. But I also noticed Jayden Martinez, one of the few teenagers at the event. He originally began volunteering to strengthen his college resume but once he fell in love with it, it became a part of his routine and something he truly values, he told me.
“I wish more teens would participate in events like this; it would really open their eyes to see how the small things they contribute to can create a positive impact on their lives and communities,” he said.
While carrying buckets of soil across the park, I met Sophie Lee, a volunteer who views Earth Day as a reminder to protect the environment and considers volunteering on a monthly basis. “I started volunteering ever since my mother taught me the importance of caring for the earth,” she said. “It truly has a greater meaning than being just a helping hand in the community. You get to see your efforts come to life.”
With the help of Kenicia Galloway, another teenage volunteer, I carefully emptied buckets of soil into garden beds, gently running my hands through the soil to create a foundation. A variety of flower seeds were laid out on the table like an endless menu, each option as appealing as the next. After selectively choosing, I placed each flower seed with intent.
“Gardens like these, with such vibrant life and radiance to them, are all the proof I need to see the beauty of strangers working side by side for the same purpose,” Galloway said. “It makes all the trips, hardships, and time worth it.”
As the event was wrapping up, it was clear that Earth Day wasn’t just a date on the calendar, but something we actively built together, like individual puzzle pieces connecting to form something much bigger than ourselves. “Earth Day is about showing up when others turn a blind eye. Each person contributes to the bigger picture,” Carter said. “It’s a team effort from every shovel of soil to every seed planted.”