I recently had my six-year anniversary as President of Friends of Secrest Arboretum. It is hard to believe it has been that long! Almost all my previous newsletter articles have been foreword looking, so I thought it time to have one looking back. Don’t worry, though, as there are plenty of upcoming events that you can read about elsewhere in this newsletter.
Year 1: FSA added a website—in large part so we could have a virtual plant sale during COVID. Its functionality has evolved over the years to include online membership renewals, calendar of events, copies of our governing documents, list of Board members, etc.
Year 2: FSA developed a logo—a fun project that took a lot of time but had a very popular result. Over the years we expanded our use of the logo on branded merchandise: first T-shirts, then sweatshirts, and now canvas tote bags and coffee mugs, all for sale at our events. The Music at the Arboretum Concert series was started. While not a moneymaker for FSA, it introduces more people to the wonders of Secrest Arboretum. Finally, we modified our bylaws to allow for up to four at-large board members. This has been very helpful in recruiting board members as well as allowing more flexibility in board roles.
Year 3: The Garden Fair was introduced and has proved to be very popular with families. A large number of volunteers make this event possible—more volunteer hours go into the planning and running of this event than any other. Secrest Select was also created in the third year and rolled out in the fourth year. This is a collaboration with Secrest Arboretum staff and is under the overall guidance of the Secrest Arboretum Support Council. A Wayne County Schools Career Center student designed the logo which we use to identify the plants at our spring and fall sales.
Year 4: FSA added additional Membership Levels that reward members with gifts for higher levels. This has proved very popular with some members and has raised more money to support Secrest Arboretum.
Year 5: The Board of Directors initiated email communications to members. This allows us to keep members informed in a timely manner. We’d love feedback on them.
Year 6: FSA developed a new trifold brochure that helps explain who we are and what we do (along with some great photos provided by Secrest Staff).
Final Thoughts
None of these things would have been possible without great board members and volunteers. I expect these to evolve over time. Who knows what future years will bring? Some events will probably end to be replaced with newer ones. I expect others, like the plants sales, will always be a part of FSA.
As always, please reach out to me at friendsofsecrest@gmail.com should you have questions about FSA or if you are interested in volunteering—whether as a board member or not.
–Bob Everett, President, Friends of Secrest Arboretum