Volunteering for Good

NorkaRuizBravoLoren Barnett-1171x593

CBF volunteer Norka Ruiz Bravo takes a socially distanced break from harvesting onions at CBF's Clagett Farm.

LOREN ANNE BARNETT/CBF STAFF

Norka Ruiz Bravo feeds her interests and the needs of others at CBF’s Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Despite this year's challenges, we remain steadfast, persistent, and focused on our mission to Save the Bay. From CBF staff and volunteers to advocates, teachers, and students, We the Watershed are finding innovative ways to carry on our important work for clean water. Find these stories and more in our Fall/Winter issue of Save the Bay magazine.

Peru native Norka Ruiz Bravo’s emails close with quiet sign off: “Infinite diversity in infinite combination (IDIC).” Star Trek fans know this as the basis of Vulcan philosophy.

“Yes, I’m a science nerd,” admits Bravo. “It speaks to how big the universe is and puts me in my place.” Following her retirement as a deputy director at the National Institute of Health, CBF’s Clagett Farm in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, has become Bravo’s “place.”

Five years ago, Bravo came to Clagett for the birthday party of Assistant Farm Manager Dave Vernon. She was recently retired and looking for volunteer opportunities. “It’s quite hard work,” Dave told her. “She’s been committed ever since.”

Volunteering at Clagett helps feed Bravo’s love of being outside. “I always wanted to be a Park Ranger, like Smoky the Bear,” she says. With her love of nature, Bravo also brought her science with her. The self-proclaimed problem solver worked with Farm Manager Michael Heller and Vegetable Production Manager Carrie Vaughn to clear a 20-by-20 foot plot for some experiments. The team tested species that might be tolerant of climate changes. One is amaranth, a herbaceous shrub with a pollen grain structure that grows naturally in Peru’s Andes.

Today, with pandemic safety precautions in place, you might find Bravo in overalls and a Peruvian straw hat happily pulling onions from the earth. “Giving back to something bigger is a feel good for me,” she says. Bravo and other farm volunteers help support CBF’s sustainable agriculture methods, Community Supported Agriculture program, and fresh produce donations to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Loren Barnett, CBF's Creative Services Director

Issues in this Post

Community   Volunteers  




Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in the media or articles on this site are those of the speakers or authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions held by CBF and the inclusion of such information does not imply endorsement by CBF. CBF is not responsible for the contents of any linked Website, or any link contained in a linked Website, or any changes or updates to such Websites. The inclusion of any link is provided only for information purposes.


The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Donate Today

Stay Up-to-Date on Bay News

Want to stay up-to-date on all news and happenings in your region and across the Chesapeake watershed? Join our digital community.

Sign Up
x
This website uses cookies to tailor and enhance your online experience. By continuing, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more information, including details on how to disable cookies, please visit our Privacy Policy. Close