Fairfax County annually recognizes individuals, groups, and organizations in a community-wide celebration of volunteerism. Among the 2017 nominees for awards were ARMN members Joan Gottlieb and Toni Genberg for their outstanding service at Earth Sangha’s Wild Plant Nursery. While they were not chosen for awards in their categories, ARMN is pleased to recognize their work here and share details about their nominations from Katherine Isaacson at Earth Sangha.

Two of ARMN’s most steadfast volunteers were nominated for this year’s Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards. They were each recognized for extensive work at Earth Sangha, which is the region’s largest local ecotype, native plant nursery.

Joan Gottlieb: Inspires Other Volunteers

Joan Gottlieb

Joan is acknowledged as someone who “does it all” at Earth Sangha’s Wild Plant Nursery. She collects and cleans seeds, plants and transplants native species, weeds, waters, and removes invasive species. She is also a leader who teaches other volunteers, and uses her knowledge of local ecology in both Earth Sangha’s fieldwork as well as her own backyard and neighborhood parks. Read more details about Joan in Earth Sangha’s nomination for her over 250 hours of work.

Toni Genberg: An Advocate for Native Species

Toni Genberg

Toni is a long-time volunteer at the Wild Plant Nursery who contributes to everyday tasks while helping other volunteers learn the routine. She also participates in invasive plant removals and native species plantings. As an experienced native plant gardener and naturalist, she teaches others the importance of native plants and the local ecology. And as a professional video editor and videographer, Toni has created an informative video about Earth Sangha’s work. See Earth Sangha’s nomination for Toni as a rising star among Fairfax County volunteers.

ARMN appreciates Joan and Toni’s efforts at Earth Sangha and all their work in the community. They truly represent the best of volunteerism in support of the natural world.