Junior high school sweethearts Jim and Kathy Cooper retired on the same day: June 1, 2015, after working at the same company for many years. As a retirement gift, their coworkers gave them membership to The Dawes Arboretum. After their first year as members, they became volunteers at The Arboretum in 2016.
The couple attended a symposium at Dawes about native plants featuring author and entomology professor Doug Tallamy which opened their eyes and changed their viewpoints about nature and gardening. They love learning more when they volunteer.
“One of the things we do regularly with the Grounds Corps is remove invasives ,” said Jim. “You’re doing good. It feels like you’re making a difference...every time I go out and help remove invasives; I’m learning more about them and how to recognize them.”
At one point, they were volunteering at Dawes between five to seven days a week. When they realized their own yard was taking a toll, they knew they had to cut back on their hours.
Despite cutting back hours, Jim and Kathy are the two volunteers with the most accrued hours in 2025. They donated 359 combined hours!
They’ve done everything from butterfly monitoring, bluebird monitoring and caring for the grounds, which is their favorite volunteer activity. Their favorite areas of The Arboretum are the ones they have helped design or maintain, like Rolling Hills Wetland or the Stumpery Garden.
“It’s like your pride and joy,” Kathy said. “Each time you walk past, it’s like, ‘Oh, I did that.’”
Volunteer Coordinator Mike Conklin manages the volunteer program and Dawes and is honored to work with so many magnificent volunteers every day.
“Jim and Kathy have left lasting marks in all aspects of The Arboretum's mission," Conklin said. "They are the epitome of what it means to volunteer with humility and selfless service."
Jim said that he would encourage people to volunteer because there are indoor and outdoor opportunities based on their preference.
“You’re really helping an organization that’s been around for almost a hundred years now.”
The Coopers are just two of many valued volunteers at The Arboretum, who we’ve chosen to feature for National Volunteer Month, which is observed from April 1 to April 30 in the United States annually. It’s a time to celebrate the people who donate their time to meaningful programs and places.
Are you interested in volunteer opportunities at The Arboretum? Learn more by clicking here.