At Mountain Rose Herbs, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the products we provide. It extends to fostering a deep connection with our community and the environment through our employee volunteer program. This unique initiative offers each of our team members 24 paid hours annually to volunteer at local nonprofit organizations, enabling us to make a meaningful impact while fostering a culture of giving and teamwork.
A Day at Parker Learning Gardens
Last week, I had the honor of leading our enthusiastic Green Team to Parker Learning Gardens, a 33-acre organic educational farm located just north of our headquarters in Eugene, Oregon. This beautiful farm using organic practices is dedicated to enriching our community by providing a model for creating accessible outdoor learning environments. Parker Learning Gardens aims to inspire and educate through science, nutrition, and sustainability programs rooted in farm and garden activities.
Immersive Learning and Hands-On Experience
At Parker Learning Gardens, we explored the land with historical stories and insights into future visions. The experience was enlightening, revealing how this incredible place integrates sustainable practices into everyday life to benefit the community. We got our hands dirty by diving into the "Herbalist Adventure Garden," a special area designed to showcase a variety of medicinal and culinary herbs, currently featuring Mint, Lemon Balm, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Oregano, and Lavender, with ample room for future additions. Our tasks included removing invasive species, spreading cardboard and mulch to suppress weeds, and preparing the beds for more planting.
A Vision for Our Own Garden
Inspired by the work at Parker Learning Gardens, we are excited to announce a new project – the Mountain Rose Herbs Demonstration Garden. This garden, developed by our company Green Team, will serve as a hands-on educational and edible space for our employees. It will also enhance our workplace with an artistically landscaped area, brimming with the aromatic scents of herbs like those we offer to our customers. Bees and other pollinators will naturally gravitate toward this garden, creating a vibrant environment that will support employee education and wellness.
Join Us in Making a Difference
The Mountain Rose Herbs employee volunteer program is a shining example of how businesses can make a positive impact on their communities and the environment. By participating in these volunteer activities, our employees gain valuable experiences, foster stronger team connections, and contribute to causes that align with our core values. We invite you to join us in our journey toward sustainability and community enrichment. Whether through our products, volunteer efforts, or upcoming Demonstration Garden, Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to making the world a greener, healthier place—one herb at a time.
You may also be interested in:
The Mountain Rose Herbs Seed Stewardship Project
Organic Sourcing from the Pacific Northwest
Benefit and Beyond: Company-Supported Agriculture