The growing chaos, conflict, and division in our world often feels overwhelming. As a combat veteran who enlisted after 9/11, I scarcely recognize the country I once risked my life to defend. But in recent months, I’ve found a potent antidote to despair in my volunteer work at Hoyt Arboretum.
Discovering the Joy of Volunteering
Since last September, I’ve regularly joined the “Tuesday Crew” in a variety of stewardship projects across the arboretum.
As the name suggests, the Crew gathers each Tuesday to spend the morning tackling cleanup tasks designated by Hoyt’s Curator, Martin Nicholson. Our projects usually range from weeding and mulching to trail maintenance and removing downed trees.
Healing a tiny piece of the world, one Tuesday at a time
This labor transmutes anxiety, frustration, and pain into acts of service and love. Each Tuesday, we restore a small section of the Arboretum back to its healthy, aesthetic glory. Seeing the impact of our efforts is extremely satisfying.
My volunteer experience has been remarkably positive. The seasoned volunteers patiently taught me how to use unfamiliar tools, distinguish between invasive and native species, and what a French drain is and to build one — I’ve learned so much!
Volunteering on Special Projects
The Hoyt Arboretum volunteer community has a diverse skillset, and there are often opportunities to contribute to special projects. Since January 2026, I’ve also been volunteering to assist the Hoyt Arboretum Friends’ Communications Specialist. I used to be a comms specialist for the USDA, so Rebekah and I have been collaborating to create videos for Instagram and Facebook.
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I’m also beginning to assist with some written storytelling (hey, thanks for reading!).
A special place that attracts special people
Many of the Arboretum’s visitor-facing positions are occupied by volunteers, so for a few months I wondered if the Arboretum’s staff was only 3-5 people, because volunteers fill so many of the vital roles.Hoyt Arboretum couldn’t exist in its current form without the support of the community.
Civic engagement is on full display with volunteers and donors ensuring this special place remains healthy and in good repair. Trees bring out the best in people.
“The wind cannot defeat a tree with strong roots”
The Arboretum turns 100 in 2028, and many of the collection trees are near that same age. They’ve lived through World Wars, global upheavals, and the changing passions and priorities of multiple generations. Their silent presence reminds me that winter can’t last forever, and that every storm will pass.
There’s a particular Douglas-Fir that was struck by lightning in the 1980’s and despite a prominent scar etched into its bark, this tree remains tall, healthy, and strong. The Arboretum is teeming with examples of extraordinary resilience.
Not just an arboretum, but also a gymnasium, classroom, community center, and temple
Hoyt’s tagline is “Museum of Living Trees,” but it’s so much more than that. Stroll the Arboretum on any given day and you might see volunteers working, children playing, and people jogging, walking dogs, or doing yoga.
The Arboretum is a living, breathing example of how a community can come together to create and maintain something beautiful. As the community cultivates the Arboretum, the Arboretum cultivates the community.
We aren’t just growing trees — we’re growing with the trees.
Come grow with us
I encourage you to visit Hoyt Arboretum to experience the magic yourself.
And if you’d like to volunteer, you’ll find a welcoming community and satisfying, enriching work. Whatever your age, background, or interests, there’s an opportunity for you to be involved. I hope to see you soon!
About the Author
Spencer Miller served as a Green Beret in multiple combat deployments. After soldiering, he spent years creating social media content as a communications specialist for the USDA. These days he does yoga, volunteers, and aspires to help his cats live their best nine lives.