Notes From The Gardens
October 2023
What Made Us Nature Superheroes: Our “Origin Stories”- Patrick Murphy, Facilities & Grounds Director
Every superhero has an origin story, and the superhero staff and interns at Monk Gardens are no different! Read on to learn what were the influences and experiences that made our Facilities and Grounds Director, Patrick Murphy, pursue a career in a nature-based field! "The tornado sirens could be heard [...]
September 2023
Leave the Leaves!- The Benefits Behind Being “Lazy” This Fall
It's that time of the year… the trees are changing color, and soon after, the leaves will come! Whether you dread fall yard cleaning or look forward to it, I will walk you through why the best thing you can do for your yard and neighborhood…is nothing! You heard me [...]
What Made Us Nature Superheroes: Our “Origin Stories”- Pat Witt, Garden Supervisor
Every superhero has an origin story, and the superhero staff and interns at Monk Gardens are no different! Read on to learn what were the influences and experiences that made our Garden Supervisor, Pat Witt, pursue a career in a nature-based field! "Even as suburban kids “back then” we [...]
August 2023
Oogie-Boogie Beetles! – Invasive Japanese Beetles and How We Handle Them
What may look like a pretty green and iridescent beetle actually spells doom for homeowners and the Gardens alike. The Japanese Beetle, Popillia japonica, has been out in full force here at the Gardens in the last couple weeks and we have been doing our best to manage them using [...]
May 2023
20 Years in the Making
Two decades ago, an “accidental trespassing” resulted in the Gardens concept being born. As Darla Zastrow was enjoying a sunny day with her mom having a picnic at what she thought was a public park, a man in his 70s rode up to them in his golf cart, asking, “What [...]
What Made Us Nature Superheroes: Our “Origin Stories”- Megan Johnson, Volunteer Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
Every superhero has an origin story, and the superhero staff and interns at Monk Gardens are no different! Read on to learn what were the influences and experiences that made our Volunteer Coordinator/Administrative Assistant, Megan Johnson, pursue a career in a nature-based field! "I was fortunate to explore many aspects [...]
What Made Us Nature Superheroes: Our “Origin Stories”- Kaytie Ruesch, Environmental Educator
"I was lucky enough to grow up in rural Crivitz, WI. We lived near Lake Noquebay and my mom would often take my brother and I to wade in the murky waters and look for creatures. When we weren’t partially submerged, we were riding our bikes around on “road patrol” [...]
April 2023
What Made Us Nature Superheroes: Our “Origin Stories”- Elise Schuler, Events and Education Manager
Every superhero has an origin story, and the superhero staff and interns at Monk Gardens are no different! Read on to learn what were the influences and experiences that made our Events and Education Manager, Elise Schuler, pursue a career in a nature-based field! "Growing up, [...]
Notes from the Gardens: Spring 2023 Newsletter
Letter from the Board President (Click here to view our entire newsletter) Hello Garden Friends, It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since the Robert W. Monk Botanical Gardens seed was planted; we had acres of beautiful donated land, a master plan, and many ideas. Some said it [...]
What Made Us Nature Superheroes: Our “Origin Stories”- Darcie Howard, Executive Director
Every superhero has an origin story, and the superhero staff and interns at Monk Gardens are no different! Read on to learn what were the influences and experiences that made our Executive Director, Darcie Howard, pursue a career in a nature-based field! "It's a brisk, foggy morning as I [...]
