Volunteer Grove

The Volunteer Grove recognizes civically minded community members or groups who donate their time to the City of Vancouver. Nomination forms are accepted year-round and submitted on behalf of individuals, organizations, and/or businesses that have made a significant and positive impact in our community. Once a year, recipients will be awarded a Volunteer Grove Certificate with the location of their tree.

2026 Volunteer Grove Recipients

Tonya Enger

Tonya is the adopt a park volunteer at David Douglas Park and creator of Vancouver Forest Keepers. She’s done an amazing job of advocating and organizing for David Douglas Park. She is organizing work parties regularly and has been working on doing restoration work in David Douglas forest. She has inspired many and dedicated countless hours advocating for our forests.

Nominated by former Urban Forestry team member, Bri Graw.

Jaynee Cavaness

As Chair of the City’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, Jaynee is a tireless advocate for parks, trees, and healthy natural spaces. She consistently shows up at meetings, volunteer events, and community conversations with positivity, thoughtful ideas, and a genuine commitment to making Vancouver better for everyone. Her leadership, environmental advocacy, and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed embody the spirit of community service and stewardship that keeps our parks and neighborhoods thriving.

Nominated by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, David Perlick.

Isaiah Garr

Isaiah joined the Vancouver Fire Corps in July 2024. Since then, Isaiah has been a steady volunteer, working quietly but with diligence and unwavering commitment. He has volunteered for numerous events in that time including:

• Bag Fill for Project Home Safe
• VFD Information table for Bring Your Kid to Work Day
• Clark County Dozer Day
• National Night Out
• PeaceHealth Neo-Natal Care Birthday Celebration
• Smokey the Bear’s Birthday
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• VFD Annual Award Ceremony and Firefighter Memorial Service
• Project Home Safe Canvasser

Isaiah has logged over 100 hours as a volunteer with the Vancouver Fire Corps. Isaiah’s achievements, dedication, and exemplary performance are in keeping with the highest traditions of volunteer service and reflect great credit upon himself and the Vancouver Fire Corps.

Nominated by Vancouver Fire Department Code Officer, Zach Prine.

Film Pack Camera Club

This team of volunteer photographers have brought wonder and fun to the Family Valentine’s Ball event for many years.

Their passion for photography has given the families who attend the ball the precious gift of a time capsule – photos of a special night, year after year.
One family anecdotally mentioned last year that these are the only photos of their family they have on the walls of their house. What a gift! Seeing the families grow up in front of their eyes has been a fantastic addition to this event; it wouldn’t be the same event without their dedication.

Nominated by former Vancouver Special Events team member, Meg Johnson.

Jamie Beyer

Jamie was appointed to the Urban Forestry Commission in 2021, and in 2025 appointed to serve as Vice Chair. She has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to advancing urban forestry and environmental stewardship in our community.

In 2022, Jamie completed the Neighborhood Tree Stewards course, further deepening her knowledge of urban forestry and community engagement.

Jamie co-chairs the Pollinator Subcommittee, where she led the development of a formal charter to guide the group’s mission and goals. Under her leadership, the subcommittee strengthened partnerships with community organizations, including the Vancouver Bee Project, and played a key role in helping designate Vancouver as a Bee City USA.

She is active in her neighborhood association and was instrumental in securing a neighborhood grant to identify and treat invasive Tree of Heaven. Her efforts have helped protect neighborhood trees and improve ecosystem health.

Jamie’s collaborative spirit, initiative, and sustained dedication make her highly deserving of this recognition.

Nominated by the Urban Forestry team.

Margaret Milem

Margaret is one of those rare volunteers whose impact can be felt across an entire community. For many years, she has been a steady, generous, and trusted leader in Vancouver, currently serving as Treasurer for the Vancouver Neighborhood Alliance and Chair of the Fircrest Neighborhood Association, among a number of other volunteer roles.

Margaret has devoted decades to neighborhood service while also working full-time as a math teacher in Evergreen Public Schools. She shows up consistently, follows through completely, and leads with a quiet strength that inspires others to stay engaged.

What sets Margaret apart is not only what she does, but how she does it. She listens carefully, values different perspectives, and works hard to ensure everyone feels respected and included. When volunteer capacity is stretched thin, Margaret is the person who fills the gap, making sure community events like the Annual Eastside Picnic and National Night Out remain successful, welcoming, and meaningful for all in attendance.

Margaret’s leadership reflects the very best of Vancouver: service-driven, community-centered, and rooted in care.

Nominated by Martha Baumgarten of the Vancouver Neighborhood Alliance with support from the Office of Neighborhoods.

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