These folks regularly volunteer their time and expertise to help JSP's mission come to life.

Billie Faye Duvall volunteers weekly as JSP's Office Assistant. But that hasn't always been her official title. She shares, "I have been a volunteer with JSP since the beginning, September 2008, before it was officially open, which entailed many duties. The park had its Grand Opening barely a year later in 2009. Since then, I

have been involved in just about every event and function in some way, either in preparation or on the

day of."

For years, Billie Faye helped coordinate the Fall Arts Festival, which flourished for 10 great years. She credits this festival as the most challenging and most rewarding project she's undertaken as a volunteer. "We would start in February with the preparation which could be chaotic and exhausting. But in the end was exhilarating."

Billie Faye continues to volunteer at JSP "first and foremost to see Melanie [JSP's Founding Director] fulfill her dream." She also loves to witness the Park's growth and to learn from and be surprised by the artworks. Billie Faye is committed to being involved in whatever way she can. "It just makes me feel good," she explains. "Every time I look at all that has been accomplished in such a short time, I’m amazed and very proud. Don’t ever underestimate a DREAM!"

Lee Colten has volunteered monthly at JSP the past few years to help with facilities and grounds projects. Lee's projects have included painting, clearing brush, repairing buildings and sculptures, planting trees, helping park cars at big events and helping set up and tear down after those events. "Probably one of the most involved projects was building a new roof on the artist trailer with one of the summer interns." Lee reflects, "It was difficult and time-consuming (over several weeks), but very satisfying." 

Lee enjoys being busy in retirement. "And, if I can be busy with nice people on activities that contribute to something meaningful in the community, all the better." He also enjoys that most of his volunteer projects involve being outside in the fresh air in a "nice setting." As a bonus, Lee shares, "...it usually involves physical activity - so, it is much more fun than going to the gym for exercise."

Jenny Karem joined JSP in the summer of 2023 as a Conservation and Grounds Volunteer. "I look forward to my weekly duties at JSP, which include replenishing the facilities, emptying the trash and recycling cans, and maintaining the birdfeeders," she explains. Whenever she has some extra time, Jenny also enjoys pruning the trails, helping to remove invasive plants, and using her gardening expertise to contribute to park beautification.

As for why and how Jenny became a regular volunteer, she shares, "JSP was top on my list of organizations to apply to when I finished the Kentucky Master Naturalist Volunteer Program because it is a place that honors and blends two of my favorite things: art and nature." While Jenny knew she was passionate about the park's mission and grounds, she did not expect having so much fun using the park's utility vehicle dump feature! "I am the type of person who appreciates jobs that can be done autonomously... I'm so grateful for the opportunity [to volunteer at JSP]!"

We appreciate every volunteer at JSP. They are part of our story, our mission, and help make the organization and park what it is today. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities here. If you'd like to join our team of amazing volunteers, please contact us. And if you have ever volunteered with JSP or are currently engaged as a volunteer: THANK YOU!

Published September 14, 2023