A Message from Acting Executive Director, Christie Hoerneman

As August brings us closer to a new school year, there's so much happening at Downtown Greens, and I'm excited to share a few updates with you. Thank you for being part of this incredible community and for helping make our work possible.

One of our biggest priorities has been the search for our next Executive Director. We've received some wonderful applications, and it's encouraging to see so many talented individuals interested in leading Downtown Greens into its next chapter. The position will remain open until we find the right fit. I'm especially grateful to longtime supporter Joe Hensley and Board Member Rachel Walsh-Mattson for serving alongside me on the hiring committee.

Our gardens have been filled with young learners this summer through field trips with local summer academies, and we're already looking forward to welcoming preschoolers back for Garden Sprouts as the school year begins. We're also continuing our free Gardening for Nature series at the Fredericksburg Branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m.

Behind the scenes, we're making great progress on our Youth Education Garden, thanks to the generosity of our supporters and a Community Service Grant from the Fredericksburg-Rappahannock Rotary Club. And there's something sweet on the horizon—the Rappahannock Beekeepers Association will soon harvest honey from the hives on our property, so keep an eye out for our upcoming honey fundraiser!

Thank you for supporting Downtown Greens. Every visit, volunteer hour, and donation helps us connect more people with nature. I'm excited to see what we'll accomplish together this fall.