New York Retiree Keeps Central Park Blooming with 1,000+ Volunteer Hours

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

Growing up near California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, Fran Nelson developed a deep love for nature. Her childhood was filled with camping trips to Lassen Volcanic National Park and multi-day backpacking adventures. But when she moved to New York at 18 for school in the 1970s, she found herself missing the wilderness she had always known. At the time, Central Park was unsafe and neglected, far from the vibrant oasis it is today. Yet, as Fran rode horses along its bridle paths, she saw its potential as a sanctuary for New Yorkers.

In 1980, that vision was brought to life when a group of New Yorkers came together, taking action to establish the Central Park Conservancy and transform the park into the stunning oasis it is today.
During her career in real estate, Fran often walked through Central Park, admiring its natural landscapes and colorful gardens. She realized that behind its beauty were dedicated volunteers. From that moment, she knew exactly what she wanted to do when she retired.

Now, at 76, Fran has been a devoted Central Park Conservancy volunteer for four years and counting. She has dedicated 1,246 hours to maintaining the park’s landscapes—raking, weeding, pruning, planting and tending to its trails. Beyond that, she shares her passion with the public, teaching children and families how to garden.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I moved to New York over 50 years ago, and at that time, the park was an unsafe and desolate place. But I found a horseback riding stable near the park, and there were bridle paths throughout, so I began riding there regularly. That’s when I truly got to know Central Park and realized what a treasure it could be for the public. Once the Conservancy was founded, they transformed it into a safe and beautiful place for people to walk and enjoy. That inspired me to get involved and help the New York City community by becoming a gardener.

Tell us about your volunteer role with the Central Park Conservancy.

I volunteer three to five days a week. I spend one day in the Ramble, one of the park’s three woodland landscapes, and another in the formal Conservatory Garden, designing flower beds and planting. I also assist with general horticulture projects—raking, pruning, soil erosion control and ecological restoration. We help Conservancy staff maintain the trails to create the feeling of being in a real forest. Additionally, I take part in park-sponsored events, teaching urban forestry skills to teens, families, corporate groups and the public.

Do you have a favorite plant or flower in the park?

It’s hard to choose a favorite because Olmsted and Vaux designed Central Park so that every step offers a breathtaking vista. Each season highlights different trees, flowers and shrubs, making it beautiful year-round. Even in winter, the park is quiet and stunning when it snows. Every plant and flower contributes to Central Park’s beauty.

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

I’ll volunteer for as long as I can hold a shovel. And when I can’t, I’ll become a greeter and sit in a booth! I love the park. I truly believe it’s the most important space in New York because it’s where people come for recreation and fresh air. It’s like the city’s backyard, and I don’t think we could live without it.

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

The most rewarding part is meeting people from all walks of life who share a common love for the park. Volunteering allows you to connect with others, refine and learn new skills and be part of something bigger than yourself. It challenges you to think beyond your own needs and offers a lifelong journey of personal growth and community engagement.

Tell us about future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about.

I’m excited about spring! The public programs, which close during winter, reopen in spring, including teen and family volunteer Saturdays. We offer a variety of outdoor programs and events, like the Conservancy’s official tours and chess workshops. The most exciting part is that, after three years of restoration, the Conservatory Garden will fully reopen in the spring—just in time for visitors to enjoy the tulips we planted last fall!

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

When I was in my mid-20s, I was hiking old logging roads with a fishing buddy, searching for a new stream. We stumbled upon a fire lookout tower and stopped to chat with the ranger, hoping he’d share a good fishing spot. Suddenly, he yelled, “Fire!” About 1,000 feet away, a fire had started smoldering. He asked us to dig a trench around it until he could help. We grabbed axes, shovels and water canisters and got to work. When the professional firefighters arrived 40 minutes later, the ranger told us, “I never share my favorite fishing spot, but you two earned it.”

That fishing spot is still one of the best I’ve ever been to. That’s what I want people to know about volunteering—you get unexpected rewards. You can volunteer in the most unusual ways and find incredible meaning and satisfaction.

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering?

Find an organization that matches your interests and just start. You can begin at 7 or even at 70, like I did. Sign up, commit to it and you’ll see how much you can contribute to your community.

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