Volunteer Spotlight: Carol Frye

Carol Frye

NPS Photo

Like the pollinators she adores, Carol Frye is drawn to the plants that attract winged visitors. And much like the bright flash of a hummingbird, Carol brings warmth and energy wherever she goes—laughing easily and offering friendship freely.

As the Director of Projects for the Friends of Chatham, Carol plays a vital role in supporting the maintenance of Chatham’s beautiful gardens. After retiring from GEICO in 2016, Carol decided to give back to her community. As a longtime Fredericksburg resident, she had always admired the park’s gardens, and in 2023, she turned that admiration into action by becoming a volunteer.

For Carol, the best part of volunteering is the camaraderie. She loves watching friendships bud and bloom among the group. It reminds her of what she loves most about the gardens—how they change through the seasons, transforming from barren fields to bursts of summer color.

With every step along Chatham’s brick paths, Carol brings that same care and joy to the gardens she helps nurture. Thank you, Carol, for your dedication and kindness!