At Columbus Botanical Garden, service takes many forms. For February, we are proud to highlight volunteer Nick Koss, whose dedication to community, environmental stewardship, and service extends far beyond the uniform he wears in the military. Originally from south central Wisconsin, Nick came to Georgia through his military service and is stationed at Fort Benning. After sustaining an injury that required time to heal, Nick found himself looking for a meaningful way to stay

At Columbus Botanical Garden, our volunteers are more than helpers; they are stewards, dreamers, and the heartbeat of this space. Few embody that spirit quite like Jazmin Hilliard. You may recognize her from Shine, our annual month-long lights show, where she and her partner have become local celebrities, literally twinkling as living Christmas trees, spreading joy to everyone who visits. But beyond the sparkle of the lights, Jazmin’s devotion to the garden runs deep. Jazmin

Rooted in Care, Growing Young Minds  How Ms. Diane Berson Cultivates Curiosity and Community Engagement at the Columbus Botanical  Diane brings a lifetime of dedication to nurturing young minds and a passion for gardening that beautifully blends in her role at Columbus Botanical Garden. Before volunteering here, Diane spent 35 years as a preschool teacher, shaping children’s early experiences with patience and care. She moved to Columbus in 2019 when her son began college nea