Parks’ International Volunteer Spotlight
September 2024
Earlier this year, Parks & Conservation Resources’ volunteer reach officially went overseas when the Florida Botanical Gardens accommodated Tabea Spinas, a teacher from Switzerland who chose to complete her 3-month sabbatical by traveling overseas and volunteering with Pinellas County Parks. Tabea volunteered 4 days a week, including one day as a Florida Botanical Gardens Greeter and the other 3 days working in the Florida Botanical Gardens under horticulturalist Eoin O’Leary. Before heading home, Tabea sat down and shared some of her experiences in a brief interview about her volunteer experience with Parks & Conservation Resources.
Tabea Spinas
How did you find Pinellas County Parks & Conservation Resources while searching for volunteer opportunities?
We picked the Tampa Bay area because of how it is situated. It has a lot to offer and there are direct flights from Zurich.
Overall, how would you rate your volunteering experience?
Coming here, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. It became clear to me on the very first day that I was in very good hands and really lucky to have come to such a wonderful place with wonderful people. Michael Polizzi and Eoin O’Leary were the very best coordinators you could wish for. I felt so welcome and appreciated here. Moreover, the Florida Botanical Gardens are the most beautiful and diverse gardens you can imagine. Working in the gardens with my fellow volunteers was the most inspiring, interesting and at the same time, most peaceful and relaxing experience.
Did you develop any new skills during your volunteer service?
“Plant the right plant at the right place” – that’s what Eoin keeps saying. I will keep that in mind when planting in my own garden, among other things.
What is your most memorable moment volunteering with Parks & Conservation Resources?
A memorable experience is how a challenging and supposedly dull task such as weeding a larger patch or digging holes for planting can turn into something that can be done with ease, because you do it together in a group. It is so much easier, quicker, and so much more pleasant than working all alone.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering with Pinellas County?
Go for it; you won’t regret it! There is so much you can give – but there is even more you’ll get back.
9/25/24