Stuyvesant Square Spotlight: Isaac Ellis
One of the most familiar faces in Stuyvesant Square Park’s West Garden is Isaac Ellis, whose steady work has helped keep the gardens thriving while SPNA searches for a new head gardener. Whether he’s watering in the summer heat, removing invasive plants, or helping lead Saturday volunteer sessions, Isaac has become an indispensable part of the park’s volunteer community.
What inspired you to volunteer with SPNA?
I used to come to the park with my aunt, and we’d sit and enjoy the flowers. At the time, I was already working as a gardening assistant, so volunteering here felt like a natural fit. I remember seeing people working in the gardens one day. It was all very informal—nobody even had SPNA T-shirts on—and someone asked if I’d like to help. I was curious about what was happening, so I joined in. It just grew from there.
What kind of work do you do in the park?
Right now, a lot of my time is spent keeping the gardens alive during the heat while we wait for the irrigation system to be repaired. That means a lot of hand watering throughout the West Garden. I’m constantly observing the plants to make sure they’re healthy, identifying and removing invasive species, and helping other volunteers learn about the gardens. Depending on the season, the work includes weeding, mulching, watering, monitoring soil moisture, pruning, and planting.
What has been your favorite part of volunteering?
I really enjoy working with the roses, and I love planting bulbs. It’s incredibly satisfying to plant them with a vision of how they’ll look months later, then come back and see everything bloom exactly as you imagined. Another favorite experience was helping Judith Modrak and her team install the Nurturing Tree sculpture in the old tree stump. It was rewarding to be part of that project.
What do you enjoy about working with other volunteers?
Saturdays are great because I get to meet neighbors who come back week after week to help care for the park. I like arriving early, helping organize the work, and encouraging everyone to get involved. In just a couple of hours, everyone comes together. Whether we’re pulling invasive plants or caring for the gardens, every volunteer helps make the park healthier and more beautiful for everyone who enjoys it.
What have you learned through volunteering?
I’ve learned that gardening takes dedication. From the outside, it may look repetitive, but there’s always more to learn. You have to keep studying the plants and sharing that knowledge with other volunteers, especially when you’re helping people identify different species.
What would you say to someone who’s thinking about volunteering?
I’d tell them it’s an amazing community. Over the years, I’ve gotten to know neighbors, their dogs, and their families. It becomes much more than pulling weeds or tilling soil. You become part of something larger. You have work, and then you have that special place where you feel at home. That’s what this park has become for me.
Interested in volunteering with SPNA? Whether you’d like to help care for the gardens, support community events, or lend your skills in another way, we’d love to welcome you. Email us at info@spnanyc.org to learn more.