Volunteer Spotlight: Julie Mangiameli

 

For more than 15 years, Julie Mangiameli has been sharing her time, curiosity, and love of plants with the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG). Julie has become an integral part of the volunteer community, contributing countless hours across the Garden, BRIT Herbarium, BRIT Library, and special events. In fact, Julie has logged the most volunteer hours in a year for 3 consecutive years!

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Julie attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha, earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 1984. After graduation, she accepted a position with General Dynamics, now Lockheed Martin, which brought her and her 5-year-old daughter to Fort Worth.

Julie later spent many years working for BNSF Railway before retiring in 2021. During her time at BNSF, she discovered an unexpected way to unwind from the stress of a demanding job – taking classes after work. What began with a computer language course at Tarrant County College Northwest Campus soon led to an Introduction to Horticulture class.

 

“I discovered a strong interest in plant science,” Julie recalls. “I then proceeded to get my associate degree in Horticulture.”

 

Julie first began volunteering at the Garden around 2008, working primarily on weekends while she maintained her career. After retiring in 2021, she began volunteering at BRIT mounting specimens and gradually added more volunteer roles. By mid-2022, she was regularly volunteering with the BRIT Herbarium, BRIT Library, Living Collection, Japanese Garden, and special events. Today, Julie is one of those volunteers who seems to be everywhere—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.

When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, Julie’s answer is simple: knowing that she is helping staff. In the Japanese Garden, that might mean doing seemingly small tasks like picking up leaves or pulling weeds. While those jobs may seem minor, Julie knows they allow gardeners to spend more time tackling larger projects. The same philosophy applies to her work in the Herbarium, where she and other volunteers mount specimens, helping staff dedicate more time to their other day-to-day responsibilities.

 

“I have learned many things about plants, butterflies, garden techniques, herbarium practices, etc.,” Julie says. “But most of all I have learned how important it is to treat people with respect and value.” That lesson, she says, comes from the staff members she has had the privilege of working alongside.

 

With nearly two decades of volunteering under her belt, Julie has plenty of memorable experiences; however, two stand out.

One was her time as the lead volunteer for the Weekend Volunteer Crew, a program created to give people who worked full-time an opportunity to volunteer at the Garden on weekends. Julie helped recruit volunteers and coordinate their activities with the Garden’s horticulturists and gardeners. The Weekend Volunteer Crew had the opportunity to work throughout the Garden, often alongside whichever gardener was on duty that day. While the group had plenty of one-time volunteers, Julie says 5-6 regular volunteers became particularly close friends.

Another especially rewarding experience is Julie’s work on the Carlquist Project for the BRIT Library. Through the project, Julie has had the opportunity to explore the field notebooks and photographs of Carlquist. She began working on the project in its early stages and has been able to watch it develop over time.

 

“Getting to know this amazing botanist/photographer/author through his field notebooks and photographs has been amazing,” Julie says. “It feels good to know that I’ve contributed to making his massive photograph collection available for anyone to view and study.” The project has also introduced Julie to archival procedures and methods. Along the way, she has learned about plants, countries, and cultures she might never have encountered otherwise.

 

It should come as no surprise that Julie also has favorite plants. Her favorite shrub is the Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum), which she first fell in love with at the Garden and now grows in her own front yard. “I like the bright-green oval leaflets of the compound leaves, and the purple inflorescences that resemble a group of grapes.”

Her interests extend well beyond plants and botanical collections. She enjoys collecting stamps and lighthouse memorabilia, cooking, working in her yard, cross-stitching, and reading. She is also an avid participant in races, completing several 5Ks, two 10Ks, and four half-marathons, primarily participating in Cowtown races because she supports their efforts to educate children about the importance of physical activity. She also spent the past year taking classes through TCU’s Silver Frogs program and plans to continue her education this fall.
For anyone considering becoming an FWBG volunteer, Julie has some advice: try something new!

If you are physically able to perform garden tasks, she encourages prospective volunteers to be open to experiencing each of the Garden’s different areas at least once. But she also wants people to know that gardening isn’t the only way to contribute.

 

“There are many other volunteer opportunities that do not involve gardening,” she says.

 

After nearly two decades of volunteering, Julie continues to show just how many ways there are to make a difference at FWBG. We are grateful for the countless hours Julie has given to FWBG and for the knowledge, friendship, and enthusiasm she shares with our volunteer community. Thank you, Julie, for all that you do!