As the end of 2024 draws near, we’re excited to announce another year of record-breaking visitation and exciting new endeavors at the Garden. While we’re beyond grateful to have made such strides, community members and corporations make it possible, supporting us at every turn. Here are just a few partners and volunteers who have been especially impactful at the Garden in 2024!
Corporate Partner of the Year: Boldt Co
Initially selected in 2021 as the General Contractor for the Carol & Bruce Bell Children’s Garden, Boldt Co. has since become a dedicated supporter of the Garden’s mission
Over the past three years, Boldt employees have volunteered countless hours on horticultural projects, supported special events through corporate sponsorships, and enhanced guest safety by providing outdoor lighting for events like WPS Garden of Lights. Their commitment extends into the future with a pledge to support the Garden through the 2027–2028 season.
This partnership has grown beyond a professional relationship, demonstrating Boldt’s belief in the power of community. The Garden is deeply grateful for their time, resources, and generosity.
Founder’s Award: Green Bay Conservation Corps
The Founder’s Award was created to honor a group or an individual who has made a difference in the helping the Garden achieve its mission. The Green Bay Conservation Corps, part of the City of Green Bay’s Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department, has not shied away from impactful work in habitat restoration, pollinator preservation, and community growth, all key tenets of the Garden’s mission to connect people and plants.
In collaboration with the Garden, the Corps played a vital role in Green Bay’s city-wide Pollinator Corridor project, linking crucial pollinator habitats across the area. Together, these teams planted nearly 7,725 native plants in Danz and Perkins Parks, creating vibrant and eye-catching pollinator-friendly spaces. With plans for additional projects in 2025, their partnership continues to inspire our Garden Team amid efforts to increase biodiversity and adapt to a changing climate.
The Garden appreciates the Conservation Corps for their remarkable contributions to a greener future and for partnering with the Garden on these projects.
New Volunteer of the Year: Karen Adams
Always arriving early with a smile, Karen takes on every task with positivity and cheer. Her hard work shined when she helped remove soil from the Johnson Wisconsin Woodland Garden for the new surface installation this spring and so much more. Thank you, Karen, for being such a fantastic addition to the Garden crew!
Youth Education Volunteer of the Year: Ann Krawczyk
Ann has been a cornerstone of Youth Field Trips for more than 10 years, ensuring schools receive high-quality instruction every season. She generously trains new guides and welcomes them to shadow her trips. Thank you, Ann, for your unwavering support and the connections you build with the Garden’s youngest learners!
Adult Education Volunteer of the Year: Mary Silha
Mary is the heart of the Garden’s Adult Tours. From Express Garden Tours to the Herbal Adventure Tours, she knows the Garden inside and out, eagerly leading groups, learning new programs, and training others. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your passion with all who visit!
Special Events Volunteer of the Year: Brandon Buechner
Brandon’s presence has been a true gift to the Garden this past summer. From making popcorn and taking orders, to driving shuttles and serving dinner at Field to Fork, he brought warmth and joy to every event. Brandon, we’re deeply grateful for your talents, dedication, and flexibility. Thank you for all the happiness you share with Garden guests!
Events Rentals Volunteer of the Year: Vickie Butteri
This summer, Vickie brought warmth and joy to the Garden, assisting the Events Team in Wedding – Guest Relations. With a welcoming smile, she guided guests at the Garden’s Donor Gate, sometimes directing 150 guests per hour through to multiple ceremonies. Her dedication made every event brighter. Vickie also supported our Special Events as an indoor line director at summer concerts. Thank you, Vickie, for your kindness and commitment!
Horticulture Volunteer of the Year: Glenn Landis
Glenn is a versatile asset to our Horticulture Team! Beyond regular tasks like weeding, planting, and pruning, he assists with an extensive plant inventory, covering 1/5 of our 92,576 plants each year. Glenn also helps set up WPS Garden of Lights each fall, even climbing ladders to string lights. We’re grateful for his skills and dedication!
Horticulture Citizen Science Volunteer of the Year: Sue Frinak
A crucial part of the Budburst citizen science plant monitoring program, Sue observed pollinators and monitors phenology, tracking seasonal plant cycles even in winter. Her quiet, consistent work helps the Horticulture Team understand the impact of native flowers on pollinators and climate change on plant growth. Thank you, Sue, for leading the citizen science efforts at the Garden!
Marketing Volunteer of the Year: Linda Gilson
Also known as Lindy J Gilson Images, Linda captures stunning images of the Garden in every season, highlighting blooms, greenery, and pollinators with a unique eye for color and structure. Her photography is essential to the Marketing & Communications Team, showcasing the unparalleled beauty of the Garden in all seasons.
Thank you to every guest, member, volunteer, and donor that has sustained the Garden this year. Your support keeps the Garden blooming. Here’s to many more years to come!
