An outstanding volunteer

For the past year or so, Karen Zeng, a PhD student from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, has been volunteering behind the scenes helping with BGANZ’s social media. Karen has done an outstanding job and we would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of BGANZ and its members, to thank her. Karen’s weekly posts on BGANZ’s social media platforms have helped promote, educate, entertain and inspire our members – and anyone else who might have seen them.

We asked Karen to write a few words on her time with BGANZ. She writes:

I’m a PhD student at UNSW Sydney, looking at how and when invasive species benefit from escaping their natural enemies. I fell into my path with the lofty goal of saving the environment through cold, hard science. But the more I learn, the more I am convinced that the solution to our environmental crises lies not in technology, but rather in the foresight and kindness of people. And what better way to grow connections between people and their environment than a botanic garden?

So, I signed up to help out for Botanic Gardens Month last year and have greatly enjoyed my stay. Under the mentorship of Rebecca and Eamonn, I was able to learn not only about how botanic gardens are run but also skills such as writing, social media management and most importantly, the power of good news. My approach to choosing articles is to ask what effect each post might have on people; with the goal of providing a little joy and inspiration, fun facts and finally promoting both member gardens and botanic gardens in general.

As I approach the end of my candidature as a both a student and BGANZ volunteer, my next step is uncertain, but I know that my time with BGANZ will be cherished. I would highly recommend volunteering for BGANZ social media to anyone wanting to learn more about botanic gardens and how they are run, and if you want to put all that social media scrolling time to good use.

Thank you again, Karen, for these kind words and your help over the last year.

If anyone is interested in continuing in Karen’s footsteps, please email Rebecca at media@bganz.org.au.