Rooted in Community: A Volunteer’s Lasting Impact at BNC

When we picture an ecosystem, we often focus on wild animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms weaving together in an interconnected web. But humans play a role too—they’re not separate from nature, but a part of it. At Boston Nature Center, volunteers stand out as essential members of this ecosystem, dedicating their time to conservation and community.  

One such volunteer is Brookline resident Margaret Rhodes, whose impact has reached far beyond the web of life at BNC.  

One Volunteer’s Journey 

For the past 11 years, Margaret Rhodes has dedicated her time to uplifting her community. You can see her mark on not only the summer camp curriculum she helped develop, but also the partnerships she has facilitated. Thanks to Margaret, a long-term partnership with Work. Inc. invites a weekly volunteer group of adults with disabilities to aid in invasive plants removal.  

Margaret’s first foray into the BNC community was at the annual Rockin’ with Raptors event, where around 600 people celebrated the iconic birds through observation, activities, games, and music. “Even though I had often gone to other Mass Audubon sanctuaries with my husband and children, I’d never even heard of BNC until I started looking for volunteer work,” she reflects. “I consider it to be one of the best-kept secrets of Boston.”  

Finding Inspiration in a Community that Cares 

Margaret remarks that she was drawn in by the diverse and passionate community of people involved with BNC and the sanctuary’s commitment to expanding access to nature for all people. "Boston Nature Center is dedicated to understanding and enjoying our natural habitats and wildlife, but always with attention paid to how social injustices affect the work we do. The staff are always looking for ways to involve the community and to learn from them,” she says.  

In addition to her other community volunteer work at BNC and Poor People’s United Fund, she actively supports our Sanctuary of Belonging Fund, which makes our work expanding equitable access to nature possible. She notes, 

“I have been impressed by BNC's strong sense of community and focus on making everyone—whether staff, volunteer, or visitor—feel welcome.”   

Margaret’s lasting impact at BNC will be felt for a long time, a testament to the power of dedicated volunteerism in our community. "It is important to be reminded of all the good that is being done at the local level,” she says.  

Volunteer at Boston Nature Center 

In 2024, nearly 600 volunteers contributed 4,654 hours of service to the sanctuary and to the nature of Massachusetts. Volunteers assisted in special event coordination, invasive species removal, and much more. However, there’s always more work to be done, and we’re always looking to expand our network of volunteers. 

Feeling inspired by Margaret’s journey? Browse upcoming volunteer opportunities to start your own adventure in community volunteerism.  

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