Another installment of our focus on volunteers who dedicate time to the Chuckanut Center. We’ve asked Kevin some questions about his gardening and growing up. It’s fun to get to know our friends.
Hi Kevin, do you have any background information or bio that you’d like to share?
Having spent almost my entire 57 years in NW Washington it’s difficult to imagine living in any other climate. I must admit though that this spring had me dreaming of warm and dry destinations! But as most of you know, and once was a secret, summer does come to us here. Hurray for July!
I was raised in Kitsap County in the town of Port Orchard and migrated around Puget Sound as my career as an Architect grew. Landing in Mount Vernon 20 years ago with a young family you could say roots started to grow. I became a “Campus Architect” for Bellingham Technical College working on Public Works Projects (publicly funded with our tax dollars and overseen by State Project Managers) for approximately 12 years. The State PM retired and said Kevin you should……… So for the past 7 years I have been overseeing the Public Works Projects performed by other architects for Bellingham Technical College and Whatcom Community College.
My kids are now young adults and I, a year or so ago, moved to Bellingham. Life always opens new doors to explore. As an omnivore with a passion toward understanding ecosystems I enjoy fishing, bow hunting, and of course gardening! Never count me out on a good hike and tent camping either. Dark skies!
How long have you been gardening?
One of my earliest memories is running around my father’s garden, probably around age four. We lived on five acres with a large vegetable garden and orchard. Wandering through the dill and looking for ladybugs made my day. The process of growing up caused gardening to become secondary, until having children. This reminded me of the importance of sharing my love of nature. My family has had a small garden plot annually for the past 20 years.
What have been some of your biggest challenges in the garden?
Remembering that I have other responsibilities in life! Living just 10 minutes by foot up the trail it’s difficult to not spend my entire day at Chuckanut Center!
What do you find most rewarding about your involvement with the Chuckanut Center?
Without a doubt the community of people I have met and become a part of.
What is one piece of advice you would give someone who has very little experience growing their own food?
Enjoy and appreciate every moment you can spend with your hands in the soil and the time with like-minded people forgetting about the stresses in life. If all you get is a tiny cucumber at the end of the summer season to munch on it has all been worth it.
Any favorite resources?
All of the other amazing gardeners from every walk of life and experience level.
Thank you, Kevin, for sharing a bit about yourself here with us, and more of yourself in the gardens at the Center!