Eve Hoffman has been an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer (EMGV) for 21 years and has volunteered over 900 hours. Eve mentors new volunteers, teaches youth how to garden and serves as a judge at the Lancaster County Super Fair.
Why did you become an EMGV?
I enjoy plants and gardens. When walking through the sunken garden, I saw people working and stopped to talk to them. I learned, except for the employees, they were volunteers and they encouraged me to consider becoming a Master Gardener.
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity?
I enjoy being around animals, so found that helping at the zoo was a perfect fit for me. I could easily spend a few hours weeding the flower beds, planting annuals, deadheading the spent flowers, while enjoying the actions of the primates and other animals.
What has been the biggest surprise about volunteering?
I tend to be quiet and reserved, so the most surprising part of being part of the program was how easy it is to make friends and meet people who bring joy and friendship into my life.