Hailey Jeffers

Volunteering at Dumbarton Oaks Conservancy helped to reinforce several concepts I have studied in Bio 102. While removing invasive plants and vines, like English ivy, I saw firsthand how competition can alter the structure of plant communities. Being surrounded by different tree species allowed me to better recognize characteristics of angiosperms and gymnosperms in a real-world setting. Overall, this experience was really rewarding and it was a fun way to bridge classroom theory with environmental conservation.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at Dumbarton Oaks on the 25th of October. This experience was extremely enjoyable and it gave me a hands-on look at environmental biology. We learned about invasive plants like Honeysuckle and spent the day physically removing them while ensuring that we remained mindful of protecting the natural habitats within the park. After a while, I could even recognize some of the invasive plants without help. This activity made me appreciate how human actions directly impact local ecosystems. It felt good to help protect native plant biodiversity and it made what I’ve learned in biology about ecosystems and species interactions feel real and relevant.

At the Bison Preview Day, I volunteered to greet and guide prospective students and families visiting the Biology Department. Even though this wasn’t a traditional lab activity, I was really glad to support the continuation of scientific learning by answering any questions that prospective future bisons had. I was also able to share some of my favorite bio lab activities with them. This experience was extremely enjoyable and showed me how being part of the biology community is a great opportunity to participate in science-based outreach.

I had my first volunteer experience at Martha’s Table Market on the 21st of October, 2025 and it was amazing. I was able to see firsthand how a choice-based food assistance system empowers individuals and families facing food insecurity so that they could choose the foods that best fit their needs and preferences.
I, along with 3 other volunteers helped sort and organize fresh vegetables, fruits and packaged goods that provide the essential macromolecules I have studied. I also had the opportunity to interact with and distribute food to members of the community. This experience solidified that access to food and nutrients is not just a biological concept but a daily necessity for survival and health.
Overall, volunteering strengthened my understanding of biology while also showing me the impact of compassion, service and equitable food access in my local DC community.