BEYOND THE GARDEN GATE
From The President…
We had a warm March and a cool April, but the magnolia and crabapple trees were beautiful. Our Black Lace elderberry
looks great.
We had two great Spring Clean-up days. We are always so surprised at all the schools, universities, John Deere
employees and families who show up to spruce up the gardens. Many of our regular volunteers came to provide
leadership in the gardens that needed work.
Look for the new plantings in the berms at our Visitor’s Center parking lot. You will see much progress.
Submitted by Jack Frick, DABG Board President
From The Director…
As we enter into another growing season at the DABG, I would like to thank all our volunteers who worked tirelessly
over the winter and welcome any new volunteers. Many great friendships are created by working together on projects,
planning for the future, and just plain getting your hands dirty.
Our volunteer/staff ratio is 350 volunteers to 1 ½ staff (I keep telling Sue she is just the “half ”). It is evident that
without volunteers this place would not continue to exist.
Submitted by Sandi Helgerson, DABG Executive Director
Introducing…
Our New Orange (Tour Guide) Team Coordinator
My name is Jeff Pregler. I am twenty-two years old. I was born and raised in Dubuque. I enjoy outdoor activities, such
as camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. I used to go to the Y-Camp every year and we would hike to the Arboretum
and I enjoyed it so much I decided to volunteer here myself. I can really appreciate how the gardens and trees change
throughout the year. Currently I work in Dubuque at Paramount Ambulance as a paramedic. I look forward to
volunteering with everyone!
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sandi Helgerson
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Sue Lemon
EDITOR Bev Kolz
CONTRIBUTING WRITER Sue Lemon
WHERE’S WALDO and the Others?
Where can the DABG Volunteer Force be found?
Look beyond the garden…
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ADMINISTRATIVE BOARD
Jack Frick, President
Wylie Bledsoe, Executive V.P.
Howard McLean, Secretary
Mel Graves, Treasurer
Norma Denlinger
Lynne Hager
Dennis Hoyer
Jim Trannel
Steve Ulstad
Kristin Woodward Vaassen
OPERATIONS BOARD
Jim Barth
Marlyn Bausman
Judy Curnan
Kelly Goosen
Fran Hedeman
Claire Hermanson
Dennis Hermsen Mike Irvin
Judy Miller
Jim Schwarz
Lloyd Streif
Dick Weitz
Ground Cover is published quarterly for
the benefit of DABG members.
In the beds, but never asleep…sweeping greens, the grounds to keep.
From break of dawn ‘til evening, fully immersed in welcoming.
Sharing gifts and many hours, with those who love the trees and flowers.
Could be dubbed “computer whiz,” or even handling office biz.
Leading, pulling teams as one…deft designers, next to none!
Sometimes planting, pruning trees. Builders build with skill and ease.
Found in fixing, can repair. Generous hearts are everywhere.
May be found upon a cart. Volunteers ALL do their part.
If you would happen to meet a member of the DABG Volunteer Force,
(the Force be with you) please extend THANKS for all they do!
Who knew work could be such fun!!!
Featured areas with current volunteer need include:
GARDEN & GIFT SHOP
All positions provide training. Flexible opportunities available.
If you would like information about volunteering at the Arboretum, please contact
Sue @ 563-556-2100.
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