Manager's Message
by Nicole Mitchell, Green Spring Gardens Manager
Nicole Mitchell
My thoughts of 2020 when I was a child were full of futuristic toys like hoverboards and people living in moon pods. Never in my wildest dreams did I think 2020 would have been the year we have just experienced. A global pandemic, economic shutdown, and social unrest were never in my mind’s eye for 2020. But the unparalleled challenges of the past year also brought innovation, ingenuity, resiliency, and human kindness. I want this article to focus on the good stuff from last year as we chart our course to further greatness in 2021.
The month of December was lovely at the gardens. Right after Thanksgiving dedicated volunteers started spreading holiday cheer by preparing to string green garlands with beautiful red bows all around the gardens. The decorations took days to get perfect and were enjoyed by many all month! The Tree Scavenger Hunt brought many families with multiple generations out to enjoy our gem of a garden. Children (and adults) learned more about local tree characteristics and identification and spent time outdoors. Also, many birders and nature photographers have come to see the stray Rufous hummingbird that staff is helping survive the winter here. It is an unusual occurrence to see this species visiting northern Virginia in the winter. We had another record-breaking month of visitation with the gate counter clocking in at 8,770, a 48% increase compared to December of 2019. Overall, the gardens are averaging more than a 40% increase in visitors since this past September.
Other good news from last year was that Green Spring Gardens was named Site of the Year at the 2020 Trailblazer Virtual Awards by the Park Authority. This is a great agency honor that we share with our neighbor, Hidden Oaks Nature Center. It was a Park Authority first to name two sites, and we are very grateful to have been selected. Also, a benefit of the shutdown for Green Spring is that our 50th celebration continues in 2021. Many of the plans to commemorate our Golden Anniversary will (hopefully) take place this year. And of course the biggest way we are celebrating the 50th is with the Moon Gate Garden project. Staff heard a good response after the project was announced, and we look forward to our continued partnership with Fairfax County Park Foundation.
We need to keep the momentum going with visitation growing and the demand on resources increasing. Have you enjoyed one of Green Spring’s wonderful virtual programs? Remember to check Green Spring’s webpage and your digital copy of the Program & Events for programs, both in-person and virtual opportunities. We have a nice lineup for the Winter Lecture Series, and the Green Spring Extension Master Gardeners have worked hard on this year’s EcoSavvy Symposium, which will focus on integrating stormwater management into your landscape design.
We want to carry the good from last year into 2021. And no matter what lies ahead in the New Year, we know we are stronger together. We have learned that WE CAN LIVE through a global pandemic by being cautious and following new safety measures. Let us grow the gardens this spring and grow as a connected community. We need our gardens, and each other, more than ever before. Happy New Year!
