Volunteer Spotlight: Nick Koss – Service, Stewardship, and Community

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 active and engaged. Rather than staying idle, he chose to give back to the community through volunteering and found a natural fit at the garden.

“I like being outdoors,” Nick shares. “I’ve always enjoyed getting back to nature.” His connection to environmental work runs deep. Throughout high school and college, Nick participated in seed collecting and land restoration projects, making his volunteer work at the garden a continuation of a long-standing passion. “What I really like is that you can see your efforts. It makes a difference. Restoring the environment matters.”

Volunteering also aligns closely with Nick’s experience in the military. “Service has always been a part of my life,” he explains. “Military service skipped a generation in my family, so I’m the only one in right now. Volunteering continues that sense of service, but in a different way.” For Nick, the garden also offers something increasingly rare: a chance to disconnect and reconnect. “It helps you step away from technology and reconnect with nature, other people, and even yourself. It keeps you grounded.”

As someone new to the South, Nick says volunteering helped shape his experience in the Columbus community. Coming from the Midwest, he noticed cultural differences at first, but quickly grew to appreciate the warmth and hospitality of the area. “Columbus is more welcoming than I ever thought it would be,” he says. “Volunteering here really showed me that.”

Nick brings a strong work ethic and attention to detail into every task he takes on at the garden. “Whatever task I’m given, I focus on doing it well,” he explains. “I want to make sure my work helps set the garden up for success and makes things easier for the staff. That’s why I’m here, to support these larger projects and help however I can.”

When asked what advice he would give to others looking to make a positive impact, Nick keeps it simple and honest. “Don’t hesitate,” he says. “If you want to see change, you have to get involved. Be the example. That might mean getting out of your comfort zone, but it’s never as bad as you think it’s going to be.”

Nick also wanted to share his appreciation for the opportunity to volunteer. “I really do enjoy volunteering here,” he says. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Nick Koss reminds us that service does not stop at the uniform. Through his dedication, humility, and willingness to show up, he embodies the values of stewardship, community, and purpose that make Columbus Botanical Garden thrive. We are grateful for his time, his energy, and his continued commitment to making a difference.