Volunteer Spotlight: Jerry Neubert

By Grace Simmons

Phipps is well-known for our beautiful gardens, seasonal flower shows, pioneering sustainability initiatives, informative educational programs and community outreach. None of our work, however, would be possible without the knowledge and dedication of our volunteers. In this series of profiles, we meet some of the people who give their time to make Phipps possible.

A volunteer since 2007, Jerry Neubert says volunteering at Phipps for the past 12 years has helped him stay in good shape through the physical labor of gardening, unloading plant deliveries, potting and more. Jerry was retired in 2006 when he decided to look through the morning paper for volunteer opportunities, which is how he found his way to Phipps. “They were looking for people to commit to one day a week, and I chose Mondays,” he says.

He laughed as he recounted that on the very first day, he discovered Mondays were truck delivery day. He and the other “Monday Crew” volunteers carried around a lot of boxes, most of which were used to install the newly constructed Tropical Forest Conservatory. Since then, Jerry has mostly worked in the production greenhouse. He helps with potting plants and getting plants ready for the next show. He’s also helped install and de-install shows over the years, or, if someone needs help in a certain room, he’ll work there for the day.

Jerry says the best part of volunteering at Phipps is the people. He’s become good friends with other volunteers and staff — over the years, he’s watched employees advance in their careers or even retire. He’s developed new habits here, too, like bike riding more because a fellow volunteer encouraged him. “There are lots of things like that,” Jerry says, in reference to the positive changes he’s seen in himself thanks to his network at Phipps.

Working at Phipps is Jerry’s longest volunteer gig yet, but he’s also volunteered for other organizations in the Pittsburgh area. He used to volunteer at the Humane Animal Rescue Wildlife Center where he rehabilitated injured animals. Currently, he also volunteers at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh where he works in the photo library and archives materials. He’s used his experiences there to help improve Phipps’ historical archive as well.

In his own garden, Jerry enjoys growing tons of prickly pear cactus so they can shock his yard with color when they bloom. His other garden favorites include grape hyacinth, roses, lavender, mums, garlic, butterfly weeds and butterfly bush. With 12 years of service behind him, Jerry plans to stick it out at Phipps for as long as possible. “It’s not too strenuous, but it’s still a good workout. And I love interacting with all the people.”