Manager's Message
by Nicole Mitchell, Green Spring Gardens Manager
Nicole Mitchell
In my farewell article, I want to start by thanking many individuals. Although the list is not exhaustive (there are just too many people to count who contributed to my success), I would like to personally thank the FROGS presidents I had the honor to work alongside: past presidents Susan Voss and Sarah Munroe and current president Ivy Sinaiko. Thank you all for your love of and devotion to Green Spring. FROGS members are so fortunate to have you as leaders and stewards of their organization.
Next, I would like to introduce and thank acting site manager Michael McDonnell. Michael is the site manager at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, Green Spring’s neighbor, and has more than three decades of experience with the Park Authority. He will co-manage both Green Spring and Hidden Oaks until the new manager is hired. Personally, I am thrilled that Michael is the acting manager. He is kind and an expert at managing resource-rich sites for the Park Authority. Michael will take excellent care of FROGS, staff, volunteers, and the gardens. He has a great team in the staff and volunteers to support him.
Finally, I would like to thank Mary Olien. She has been a great supervisor, and it was so much of her work that I was able to continue. Mary and I will always have a special place in our hearts for Green Spring and FROGS.
I would also like to highlight the goals we have been able to achieve in the last four years. During my tenure we have been able to accomplish many major projects: renovating ADA pathways, paving the historic driveway, completing work for the 2016 Annual Appeal at the Historic House, upgrading irrigation with smart water, updating the utility fleet, replacing the roof at the Horticulture Center, and redesigning the Garden Gate Plant Shop entrance. These, and even more accomplishments, were made possible by the tremendous teamwork and incredible collaboration that we see with the Park Authority and FROGS.
I will always treasure my time at Green Spring. I feel immense gratitude that I was hired as manager in June of 2017. I do believe that it was my experience at the gardens that provided the opportunity for me to become the new manager at Frying Pan Farm Park, which enables me to continue to achieve my dreams. I gained experience with historic properties and working with a stellar Friends group; and I furthered my experience with public gardens and managing a resource-rich site for the Park Authority. I am forever grateful to each of you and the beautiful gardens of Green Spring!
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)
