Northbrook Resident Named Chicago Botanic Garden's Top Volunteer

NORTHBROOK, IL — Saying she's proud to contribute to making the Chicago Botanic Garden a beautiful place, Northbrook resident Marnee Kenny was recently named the recipient of its Volunteer of the Year award.

The Volunteer of the Year Award was initiated in 1984 to focus attention on the outstanding support given to the Chicago Botanic Garden each year by all volunteers, and to recognize the contribution of one special volunteer as an example of extraordinary service, according to a news release. Kenny was recognized for her contributions during 2020.

Kenny has volunteered for more than 14 years and has contributed over 9,000 total volunteer service hours at the Glencoe garden. She contributes her talents mainly as lead volunteer with the English Walled Garden horticulture team, arriving early to set up tools and equipment for other volunteers, according to the news release.

In addition, Kenny has served with the teams in McDonald Woods, Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Esplanade, Japanese Garden, Lakeside Garden, Rose Garden, Butterflies & Blooms, Volunteer Services and at many visitor events. She earned her Master Gardener certificate from the University of Illinois in 2012 and the Barbara Whitney Carr Excellence in Leadership Award that same year.

Kenny said she likes best that the Garden is constantly changing, and the staff is always grateful for her contributions.

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