By Sara Wiercinski

Studies repeatedly show how the benefits of volunteering contribute to an overall healthier life. This is especially true when you find an opportunity that matches your talents and interests.

Even those who worked inside for their careers have found meaning in their retirement years by volunteering outside.

Cherie Ziegler is among the Tuesday morning volunteer gardeners at the Sunset Community Garden, located in Olathe between the Sunset Drive Of fice Building and the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.

In 2022, Ziegler retired from a career in Human Resources. Since then, Tuesday morning gardening at Sunset has become part of her routine.

“I like being here. I like being outdoors. It gives me a great sense of joy to be giving back to people who are in need and who may not have the resources to find this fresh food that we pull for them every week,” she said. “I have also learned a lot about gardening for my own purposes.”

In 2023, the Sunset Community Garden produced 12,000 servings of fruits and vegetables for the community. Walk inside the public health space inside Health and Environment building, and you’ll find a nutrition nook area (complete with refrigerator and shelving) offering seasonable produce to the public. Local food pantries also receive portions of the harvest.

This summer, the Sunset Community Garden will host a series of pop-up farmers markets offering “pay what you can” seasonal produce for the public. Markets are scheduled for June 11, July 9, and Aug. 13.

The garden relies on community volunteers. Drop-in help is welcome. No previous gardening knowledge is necessary, making it distinct from the Extension Master Gardener program which involves formal training and ongoing volunteer commitments. This is another fantastic option for those looking to volunteer outside.

While the Sunset Community Garden grows food, education and ecological awareness are the hallmarks of the Pollinator Prairie, a project of the Extension Master Naturalist volunteers.

Located in downtown Olathe, the demonstration garden was formerly the site of a chemical recycling facility. After remediation involving the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the site was returned to the community in May 2012. It has since been maintained by the Extension Master Naturalists who are responsible for its transformation into an ecological habitat. You’ll find mostly native plants that provide pollinators like bees, birds and butterflies sources of food, shelter and safe areas for breeding.

Extension Master Naturalists also coordinate annual educational events to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators.

Ann Tanner is an Extension Master Naturalist who volunteers at the Pollinator Prairie.

“I am a pharmacist by training but a naturalist at heart. After retirement, I found my passion working with others to promote conservation and education,” she said. “In doing so, I discovered it is meaningful to be involved in something much greater than myself. It brings me joy to work with native plants and wildflowers at the Pollinator Prairie Gardens and among the bees, butterflies and birds the gardens attract.”

On June 21, Extension Master Naturalists will present Wonders of Discovery, a one-day event for the public and day-camp children from Johnson County Parks and Recreation to learn about the importance of pollinators and ways to support them.

Come tour either (or both) of these lovely Johnson County gardens, where volunteers power the work. We welcome you to our public educational events as well because learning takes place at every age.

If you have time and talent to share and are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities with Johnson County K-State Research and Extension –whether indoors or outdoors – visit johnson.k-state.edu or call 913-715-7000.

Sara Wiercinski is communications manager at the Johnson County K-State Research and Extension Office.