February 24, 2024
Dear ::subscriber.first_name::,
Spring is stirring – we can all feel it! Here at Boxerwood, the sap’s rising in all kinds of ways. Read on to find out more about what’s unfurling and how you can be part of it all.
In the midst of snowdrop and crocus joy, we also reflect this month on the legacy of Mollie Messimer, Boxerwood’s pioneer Education Steward, who completed her life journey last month at an ever-youthful age 71. Oh, so much to say and celebrate – we’ll let Hunter Mohring say it best (read on).
With spring gratitude,
The Boxerwood Team
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Join our Compost Challenge
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Back for a 4th straight year, our very popular Backyard Compost Challenge is live! The deadline to sign up for the lottery is March 1. As in past iterations, 80 new households (plus many former champs) will participate in a 10-week citizen-science project in exchange for a free composter & coaching.
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It’s only February, but summer camp is on our minds – and on the minds of many families as well. Registration for our three Boxerwood-based summer camps is now open. Camps are for children ages 4-8. Camps fill quickly, so register today. There are also Junior Counselor opportunities for rising 4th graders and up. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have scholarships for those in need.
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The Annual Rockbridge Area Clean-Up is March 23 - 31, sponsored by Rockbridge Conservation. This month Boxerwood educators are bringing hands-on presentations to all local elementary schools to spread the word. As a result of our “Ocean Protectors” outreach last year, 472 3rd and 5th graders made personal pledges to help protect marine life by keeping our land litter-free. Kids leap at the opportunity to put their learning into action. Given the chance, they’re ready to help!
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Happy Birthday, COREworks!
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Boxerwood launched COREworks on Feb. 14, 2022, with a mission to reduce carbon emissions and provide a new way for people and organizations to offset their own carbon footprint in ways that directly benefits our local economy and ecology. Already a church, a law school, and more than 2 dozen people have secured COREworks offsets to reduce their carbon footprint. Proceeds from the marketplace fund additional tree-planting, solarizing, and composting projects right where we live.
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One Person Can Make A Difference
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Thank you to Boxerwood volunteer Annette Green (right, pictured with Ginny Johnson) for her completed special year of service as our first COREworks Ambassador. The goal of COREworks is not only to fund local carbon sequestration projects, but also generate conversations about the responsibility we all share to care for the earth. Annette brought this intention to life by providing COREWorks presentations to an astounding 18 civic groups, engaging over 250 people in climate conversations. Religious groups, garden clubs, Ruritans, and more – even house parties: she did it all! Feeling called to be our next Ambassador and/or host a talk for your group? Contact COREworks coordinator Ginny Johnson at coreworks@boxerwood.org.
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The mulch pile is now open for the season. To schedule a time for us to load you up with our tractor, email ben@boxerwood.org. To learn more about our community mulch pile and suggested donation rates, visit the website.
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While we haven’t yet spotted any Asian Jumping Worms at Boxerwood, our mulch pile could easily contain this species’ eggs. No mulch source is guaranteed to be free of these worms or their eggs.
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Offered twice a month:
SAT 8:30am - noon
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Join KB's garden crew! Anyone 18+ interested in plants is welcome, no gardening experience needed. KB was our first Garden Steward, and inherited the responsibility to look after these trees from Dr. Munger directly. She's a certified arborist and extraordinary plantswoman. You'll learn a lot and spruce up Boxerwood at the same time. First date is SAT 3/16.
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Kiosk Ambassador Training
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Two dates to choose from:
SAT 3/9, 2pm | SAT 3/16, 11am
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Kiosk Ambassadors are like museum docents. On weekends, they welcome our garden visitors, answer questions, and encourage exploration. Training is open to all, including Kiosk Ambassadors who'd like a refresher. The 90-min orientation explains all you need to know to start volunteering, and it concludes with a tour.
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Celebrate Earth Day(s) with Boxerwood
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Earth Day is every day, so we are hosting a series of events beginning March 16 and ending May 4 to get folks in the garden, celebrating nature together. From tree planting to birdwatching, plein air painting to labyrinth building, there's something for everyone happening this Spring.
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PARTNER IN THE PICTURE: Mollie J. Messimer, 1952 - 2024
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Last month we learned of the death of a dear friend of Boxerwood, and our hearts are so full. Along with founders Hunter Mohring and Karen Bailey(KB), Mollie planted the dream of Boxerwood Education Association. As our first Education Steward, Mollie brought great energy, heart, and vision to her calling, leaving an indelible mark on Boxerwood and on the hundreds of children she taught. (The 2004-ish photos above show Mollie full steam ahead with her original waste reduction initiative). A long-time resident of Lewisburg, WV, Mollie stopped by Boxerwood just before Christmas 2023 with boxes of nature books for our ever-evolving programs. We were so glad we were able to see her, cheered by her presence and gifts. A memorial for Mollie will be held at Boxerwood on Saturday, May 18. Meanwhile, thank you to Hunter for sharing this reflection.
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