As hands-on problem solvers, we know that big successes often rely on the foundational work done completely behind the scenes. Recently, the SPARK team traded our engineering desks for high-vis vests and headed over to the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond to pitch in and get our hands dirty.
A Historic and Beautiful Green Space
If you live in Richmond, you know the Science Museum's iconic architecture. Originally one of the city's oldest train stations, it has been beautifully repurposed into an educational hub and stands as the only green space along the Broad Street GRTC Pulse line. Our teammate Kaity reflected on this history, noting, "I love seeing one of the oldest train stations in Richmond repurposed into such a vibrant, green, and community-oriented space".
With the museum preparing to celebrate its 50-year anniversary in 2027, helping preserve its gorgeous exterior is a privilege. Our teammate Charity captured our first impression perfectly: "What a beautiful campus for the public to enjoy".
Pivoting in the Dirt
Our original mission for the day was planting native shrubs around the front of the property alongside SMV’s Horticulturist Tyler Holtzman and Volunteer & Internship Coordinator Jared Strawderman, who do a fantastic job running the museum’s volunteer program. However, because our team showed up in full force, our crew tackled the planting much faster than expected! With time left on the clock, we grabbed bags and set out to pick up litter—only to find the museum's grounds already absolutely pristine with surprisingly little trash.
Eager to maximize our impact, SPARK Co-Owner Shane Diller asked what else our team could do to help. Tyler suggested we pivot to de-weeding the beds. Shane quickly led the charge, and the team happily grabbed our tools to clear the way for the new native plants. Getting outside to dig in the dirt provided an immediate sense of accomplishment. "I like plants. I like digging in the dirt. I'm still a child at heart," joked SPARK Co-Owner Bruce Ferris.
Because the museum staff already does an incredible job maintaining the property, our goal was simply to add to that existing beauty. SPARK Industrial Designer Jon Kyte echoed this sentiment, adding, "It’s already such a beautiful campus, and I feel fulfilled just doing my part to help maintain and beautify this communal space". Ultimately, stepping out of the office to give back benefits us just as much as the grounds we worked on. As SPARK Senior Mechanical Engineer Fred Dewees noted, "It’s incredibly rewarding to walk around this amazing campus and play a small role in enhancing it for the staff and visitors who come here every day".
The Power of the Volunteer Community
We are proud to be just one small piece of the museum's incredible support network. According to their Fiscal Year 2026 report, the museum's volunteer program had a record-setting year with 17,084 total volunteer hours contributed across 207 active volunteers. Furthermore, corporate and community volunteer groups like ours contributed more than 900 hours of service over the last year to help support operations and enhance the campus.
Whether it's maintaining the urban greenspace or working in gallery education, volunteers are a vital part of keeping the museum shining. Want to join the fun and make an impact? The Science Museum of Virginia is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers. Learn how to get involved and join their team here.