When groups come to visit the Oak Park Conservatory, they’re treated to a fun educational experience thanks to our trained volunteer docents. Getting a personalized tour, learning from our experts, and sneaking a peek at the Conservatory’s hidden gems are all part of our unique docent-led visits.
“It’s really a two-way spark – we have as much fun as our visitors do,” said docent Linda Piccinini, who is also a volunteer board member for The Friends. “Seeing that spark of interest and connecting with someone is so gratifying.”
Linda has been a volunteer docent for over two years, and she’s one of the many volunteers who make the Conservatory such a special place to visit.
“The Oak Park Conservatory is a place where you can experience a living, growing environment. It is dynamic and always changing,” Linda said. “Plants are an important part of life, and I love getting to share that with others.”
As a retired assistant professor, Linda is a lifelong educator who brings her passion and expertise to the Conservatory. She loves giving tours to groups of all ages.
“There is always someone who stands out in every group,” Linda said. “Typically the younger school kids are very talkative. Adults often don’t hold back and want to engage. Regardless of age, I find that guests who want to learn more and ask questions are the ones who are truly engaged.”
For Linda, seeing the spark of curiosity in our visitors and helping them connect their experience at the Conservatory to the way they engage with the world is incredibly rewarding.
“Plants are an important part of life. The seasonality, quality of air and water, and changes in the climate. Visiting the Conservatory brings this home,” Linda said. “There is a deeper appreciation now more than ever for nature and we receive a sense of well-being from that.”
Tours of the Oak Park Conservatory are free for Oak Park schools, and generous grants are available to other schools and groups, made possible by the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory.
We invite you to help expand our efforts to reach residents from surrounding communities with new opportunities and programs. Please help sustain The Friends and the historic Conservatory by donating to the Annual Appeal HERE.
