January 15, 2025, marked Free the Fern’s 4th year anniversary.
Free the Fern Origin Story: Back on January 15 2021, there was a windstorm. Grace Nombrado, Free the Fern founder, had decided to head out and help rake up the fallen branches and leaves to the east of her housing co-op. Looking around the area, she noticed how much invasive ivy was taking over the Red Alder Trail. Grace had some experience with invasive removal, through volunteering with the local Everett Crowley Park Committee, so she decided to take action. Grace began removing the ivy, along with the help of her neighbour, wife, and 3 year-old son. As they cleared the ivy, others in the neighbourhood started to take took notice and offered to help. As community members came together, Free the Fern was born!
Fast forward 4 years, and on Friday, January 17, 2025, Free the Fern founder and now Executive Director, Grace Nombrado, gathered with the board of directors to celebrate our 4th year anniversary at the local Village Pub. We looked like a sharp bunch, with our bright green shirts and fern table decorations. Everyone enjoyed reminiscing about our journey as a nonprofit and imagining where the future may take us. We also had some yummy food and drinks together.
Then, we discovered that there would be a pub quiz competition that night. With signiture determination, our board directors took on the challenge. To meet team capacity limits for the competition, we had to split into two teams. Despite this, our collective energy felt as one. Happily, one of our Free the Fern teams ended up winning, with a score of 57/60, on the pub quiz! We sure have a clever and creative board of directors!
Here is to many more years of stewardship and community connection!
