Step inside the Oak Park Conservatory and you’ll see more than plants in bloom — you’ll see friendships blossoming, curiosity taking root, and neighbors connecting. For nearly 40 years, The Friends have nurtured this special place, creating moments of joy and discovery for people of all ages.
This summer, Sophia Fernandez, a 10-year-old “volunteer in training” with the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory, volunteered with our free early childhood program, Discovery Garden Exploration Time. Sophia visited on our first day of our hands-on nature-themed learning program during the summer and saw some young volunteers helping their docent grandmother set up the program.
This sparked an idea for Sophia that led to her volunteering every Thursday this summer.
“I always enjoy playing with tiny children, and I am hoping one day to be a preschool teacher,” Sophia said. “I feel joyful and grateful that I get to help the kids.” Sophia’s mom, Yennifer, was beaming with pride. “We are very proud of her. I feel like she surprises me every single day with her ideas and motivation to be part of the community and help others. Sophia is always willing to make a difference.”
Every season, our volunteers guide schoolchildren through discovery and exploration, lead adults in learning something new, and create nature-inspired educational events that bring the whole community together. Each smile, each conversation, each connection — that’s where our community truly blooms.
The Friends are approaching our 40th Anniversary next year, and for four decades have offered an opportunity for volunteers of all ages to support our programs, do hands-on work in the Conservatory, and connect with others who share the same passion and interests.
Please help sustain The Friends and the historic Conservatory. If you are interested in volunteering or supporting our efforts to continue offering free nature-based education programs to the community, visit our website at fopcon.org.
Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory
Built in 1929, the Oak Park Conservatory is a Historic Property of the Park District of Oak Park. Free to the public with 50,000 visitors annually, the Conservatory is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conservatory offers three indoor showrooms featuring more than 3,000 plants and two outdoor gardens including a play area for toddlers. The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory offers a wide range of programs focused on enriching the visitor experience at the Conservatory. From volunteering to educational and recreational opportunities, tours and classes, there is something for everyone to enjoy year-round.
To learn more or to join, visit fopcon.org.