Volunteer Spotlight: Varian Bosch
How did you decide to volunteer with FOW?
I was working at the Wissahickon Environmental Center as a summer educator when I was introduced to FOW, the work that they do, and the people that worked there. While I was looking for another job I decided that I needed something to keep myself busy and out of the house. Volunteering with FOW did that as well as gave me valuable experience and skills. The work was fun & interesting and the people that I worked with gave me a sense of community.
What do you love about Wissahickon Valley Park?
I love that it is like an oasis in the middle of the city. This large park can almost isolate you from the everyday life of a big city.
What is one of your favorite moments from volunteering with FOW?
The end of a work day or a few days, or even a week later, when you return to a work site has to be my favorite. Most of the time during a service project, it doesn’t seem like you are making much progress but at the end when you get to finally step back and take a look at what was done, you can see how much a difference your work has made.
How do you think FOW contributes to the Philadelphia community?
FOW creates a sense of community by pulling people together to do various types of work in this park that is used by so many people. They also help to educate people who often haven’t had a chance to get out into nature.
What is your favorite spot in the park?
My favorite spot in the park would have to be Andorra Meadow. It is a diverse area where you can get away from the city noises and hear the birds instead. It is isolated enough that it feels like you are out in a large meadow. You can possibly see or hear so many different animals that use the meadow. There are many species of song birds you can listen to, you can see hawks and if you are lucky, even a Bald Eagle! In the evening you can see bats and possibly an owl, though you are more likely to hear one than see one.