When Oak Park resident Dawn Stockmo retired, she decided to seek volunteer opportunities right in her own backyard. Surrounded by neighbors with young children, they suggested she look at the Oak Park Conservatory.
Three years later, Dawn is a lead volunteer for the Discovery Garden Exploration Time weekly summer program, and she is also a docent leading students on guided tours. We recently talked with Dawn to learn more about why she chooses to volunteer at the Conservatory.
Before Dawn earned her MBA from business school, she had a desire to be an elementary school teacher. After watching Dawn engage with children and families in the Discovery Garden, there is no doubt she still carries that spark to help kids learn.
“The kids are really quite amazing,” Dawn said. “They are so curious. Seeing their faces light up when learning something new or doing something for the first time, or just having fun, is such a joy. I really want the kids to remember the experience. I also enjoy getting to know the caregivers and the parents and building relationships with them.”
When asked why a visit to the Conservatory is important, Dawn shared, “There is a whole world that kids experience at the Conservatory, they may not experience at their own homes. You don’t always get to see parrots, fish, cactus plants, and the ponderosa lemon tree. So they learn something while having this experience in a really beautiful, really calming place.”
Step inside the Oak Park Conservatory and you’ll see more than plants in bloom — you’ll see friendships blossoming, curiosity taking root, and neighbors connecting. For nearly 40 years, The Friends have nurtured this space as a place where all ages can gather, learn, and grow together. And it’s your support that helps our community bloom year after year.
If you are interested in supporting our efforts to continue offering free nature-based education programs to the community, please donate here.
