Helping Balboa Park and Its Visitor Experience Bloom

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree April Savage. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most iconic green spaces, and thanks to volunteers like April Savage, it continues to thrive as a beautiful, welcoming destination for all. April began her journey as a garden steward with Forever Balboa Park at just 25 years old and has since become an indispensable part of the team. Now serving as a garden steward lead, she plays a key role in preparing tools, welcoming volunteers and guiding them through tasks that keep the park’s gardens flourishing.

Even after working a demanding full-time job, April dedicates her weekends to the park with unwavering commitment. Twice a month, she arrives early to prepare wagons of tools, rally the volunteer team and head out to one of the park’s many gardens. From weeding and planting to trash pickup and habitat restoration, April ensures every volunteer is supported, safe, and equipped to make a difference.

Her leadership goes beyond logistics. April’s deep connection to nature and strong sense of community shine through every interaction. Whether she’s answering questions from curious visitors or ensuring every team member feels welcome, she brings warmth, knowledge and heart to her role. Her creativity even shows in unexpected ways—like making anti-inflammatory teas from the weeds pulled during volunteer shifts.

April’s efforts help maintain a vital public space that serves thousands of residents and visitors. In an increasingly urban world, free and accessible natural areas like Balboa Park play a critical role in community health and wellness. April’s work ensures the park remains a sanctuary where families can relax, children can learn and everyone can reconnect with nature.

With over three years of dedicated service, April Savage is more than a volunteer—she’s a community steward, a team builder and a quiet force of transformation. Her selfless commitment to keeping Balboa Park vibrant makes her a true local hero whose efforts deserve to be celebrated.

Tell us about your volunteer role.

I have been volunteering as a garden steward through Forever Balboa Park for four years and have been a garden steward lead for two years. I help maintain the gardens of Balboa Park to keep this world-class public space beautiful and welcoming to all. As a garden steward lead, I arrive early to prepare wagons full of tools and welcome the volunteer team.

I then lead the team out to one of many gardens where we take care of weeding, deadheading, raking, planting, trash pickup and general cleanup. I ensure the needs of all volunteers are addressed and that everyone stays safe during our shift. We often direct visitors and answer their questions about the park. We occasionally take on special projects, such as tree planting, habitat restoration of natural spaces and assistance with community cleanups.

What inspired you to get started with this initiative?

Like many folks, I began gardening in 2020 during the beginning of COVID. Gardening gave me something calming to focus on when the world was increasingly stressful. My teeny-tiny side yard container garden brought me so much joy, and when the world started opening up again, I wanted to garden on a larger scale in a way that others could enjoy. I found the Balboa Park garden stewards, signed up right away and have been loving it ever since.

Why is this issue so important to you?

This work is important to me because free and accessible natural spaces are increasingly critical for community health. It takes an immense effort to maintain these spaces, and I am proud to be part of the team that works diligently so that people from all walks of life can enjoy one of the best urban parks in the country.

What are your long-term plans or goals with the organization?

I plan to continue in my role as a garden steward lead, to continue recruiting new garden stewards and to assist park staff in whatever future initiatives they dream up.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

It brings me joy to connect with the earth through gardening and watch the park community come to life throughout our shift. I treasure the connections I make with the team of volunteers and staff who tirelessly work alongside me. It is immensely rewarding to contribute to this beautiful, educational and rich cultural community resource.

What have you learned through your experiences volunteering?

I’ve gained such a wealth of knowledge about native plants, gardening techniques and landscape maintenance. Besides practical skills, I’ve learned time and time again that when a group of dedicated people set to work on something, great things can be accomplished.

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about?

Community involvement is such an important and rewarding aspect of life. You learn new things, meet new people, are exposed to different perspectives and make a difference in countless lives.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Think of something you enjoy or feel passionate about and find a local organization that needs volunteers in that capacity. Sign up and just do the dang thing!

Do you want to make a difference in your community like April? Find local volunteer opportunities.