Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County recognizes the extraordinary efforts of Extension Master Gardener Volunteers (EMGVs) who share their time to provide horticulture knowledge, help with educational programs and assist with dissemination of unbiased research-based information to the general public. A green thumbs up to these special people who are making a difference in our community.
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Elaine Booth has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) for 15 years and has volunteered over 600 hours. Elaine mentors new volunteers, answers phone questions and helps at the Lancaster County Super Fair.
Why did you become an EMGV?
I worked as an accountant for 30 years, which put me in an indoor office. As I planned for retirement, my primary goal was to participate in as many outdoor activities as possible. Since I have a true love of plants, I signed up for the classes. To be honest, I thought I knew everything about plants. Very quickly I found that I knew almost nothing and I have been learning every day.
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity?
I volunteer at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo working in the wonderful gardens that cover the areas around the animals. We plant, sometimes we prune, and there is always weeds to pull.
What have you learned about yourself through volunteering?
Before retiring, my life was predominately filled with my job and my family. After retiring, I wasn’t sure how I would fill my days and wanted to stay busy. I found that volunteering was a wonderful substitute for my former career.