Meet the Crew: Mary Dudley and Luis Aguilar-Dwyer of the Civic Garden Center, partners

Adventure Crew is partnering with the Civic Garden Center on a series of workshops this fall. We wanted to take a minute to introduce you to the CGC and two of their amazing staff members, Mary Dudley and Luis Aguilar-Dwyer!

Mary is the director of education and has worked at CGC on and off for about 20 years in various roles.

"I love how every day presents different challenges and new opportunities to connect with people as we work towards equitable food access and environmental sustainability in Cincinnati," she said of her work there.

She said she has been impressed with Adventure Crew since it began and she saw the positive impact we've had on introducing teens to the environment through recreation. The two nonprofits began collaborating more recently, when they joined with Cardinal Land Conservancy to establish a market garden on the Crew and Cardinal's Camp Washington campus.

"Adventure Crew brings such talented youth and leaders together to enjoy nature and discuss best practices for conservation so future generations can experience the wonders of the region," Mary said. "Both the CGC and Adventure Crew are dedicated to offering authentic, relevant experiences for youth that develop a sense of place and civic responsibility. We are partners seeking to nurture the next round of changemakers!"

She has enjoyed watching the students learn during our current dendrology adventures. "After our first session, one of the students said they learned that trees are awesome, and that’s the best take home I could hope for," she said.

Environmental Education Specialist Luis Aguilar-Dwyer has been with the CGC for two years. "Every day, we get to explore these gardens and connect what we have observed with people of all walks of life who come to enjoy this place with us," he said. "Throughout our work, we continuously share the importance of conservation and the protection and advocacy for native plants in our home. While that is a hallmark of an environmental steward, so is creating a relationship with the outdoors. That is a huge reason why we are excited to work with and teach Adventure Crew youth. While they paddle, ski and hike to several wonderful destinations, we hope we can help inspire their appreciation of the delicate and local greenspaces here in Cincinnati."

Luis also loved watching Crew teens in learn about plants, embracing complex topics such as plant taxonomy. "Adventure Crew participants held several inquiries about trees," he said. "As we walked throughout our gardens, measured the tree trunks, and filled out our own tree rings, it was extremely wholesome to share the world of plants with new students."We love that we get an opportunity to help guide and inspire Adventure Crew youth to learn more about the quirky world of plants alongside us."

Thanks to Mary, Luis and the Civic Garden Center for being part of our Crew! We love partnering with you!