“Is that a photograph?” A visitor asks, pointing to the image behind me in the admissions booth. It’s a painting, actually, frameless, depicting a Reserve sunset blushing its way up the sky behind the circular stone Portal. The painting has sparked many a conversation at the booth where it hangs, connecting visitors with nature even before they head out onto the trails. The artist is Chris Gendron, a volunteer who feels most comfortable with a brush in her hand.

The Idea to Volunteer

For the past six years, Chris has brightened up the Reserve with her talent. The idea to volunteer sparked one day, when she passed by the barn. Outside, a woman (the late and beloved volunteer Carolyn Broad) was busy painting boards laid out on sawhorses.

I walked over and said, “Hey, I want to do that!” and Carolyn laughed. We hit it off right away. I had the pleasure of painting with her for at least 3 years. She was always laughing, so it was good for me. She even called me a couple of times when she hadn’t seen me in a while, to check in. She was a very caring person.

Walking With Ray

Before becoming a volunteer, Chris walked frequently at the Reserve with her husband, Ray, who was battling Parkinson’s Disease. A favorite choice was the Barrier Beach Trail.

I never tire of it. You are in the woods, then all of a sudden you are at the ocean. I took Ray down that trail a lot. When he was ill, the Reserve was like a second home. We enjoyed hiking together. It was a great part of our day to get outside.

With a poor prognosis for his improvement, Chris prepared to move forward alone. She and Ray had moved to Maine to be near family, and Chris thought volunteering might help her meet people.

I knew someday Ray would go. I wanted to know some people when that happened. I got a seasonal job and decided to volunteer. So once he did pass away, I had places to go. It is one of the reasons I chose to volunteer. I kept thinking of the future.

Ray passed away on October 7th, 2022. They were married for 36 years. Chris says the grief never leaves her, but she has learned to live with it. She values family and speaks with pride about her two grown daughters. Volunteering, seasonal work, being outdoors, and time spent weaving and painting add structure and purpose to her days. The birth of grandson Andrew last fall brought joy.

Using Her Knowledge

Chris is part of a team of volunteers who do the vital work of repair, groundskeeping, and building upgrades. Their home base is the barn workshop, a space Chris gravitates to because it reminds her of her 93-year-old father, who worked as a carpenter.

It’s all the tools, the smell of the wood. From my father, I learned how to fix things, learned plumbing, how to paint walls, cut the grass. 

As a volunteer, Chris continues to use the knowledge and skills she’s honed throughout her life. She describes it as a benefit of volunteering. Her passion for painting began in her teenage years. As an adult, she attended art classes as much as she could, with an eye to what her skills could be if she kept at it.

Years ago, I didn’t have time. I couldn’t paint at home, so I always took a class. It was a once-a-week outing for me. Of course, I needed to take time off here and there, but I never gave it up.

Pitching in with a Paintbrush

Chris is an accomplished artist whose talent supports the Wells Reserve in many ways. Most recently, she worked to create a trailside scavenger hunt, painting six life-sized woodland creatures at the request of the Education department. 

I love painting. It doesn't matter if I paint walls, a sign, a bunny, or an owl. When I volunteer, I feel good seeing a finished project. What’s great about volunteering [at the Reserve] is that a lot of these retired people continue to use the knowledge that they have. It’s nice to see. There is always something to do. The volunteers all pitch in. No one hesitates. I’m amazed at some of my fellow volunteers. Sometimes they kid around, but they’re really good about it. They joke around and laugh. It makes it a nice atmosphere. Brian Greenwood [the Reserve’s Facilities Director] is our leader. It is nice to help out someone who really cares about this place and who is full of ideas and talent.

Chris can often be found in the barn workshop. Sometimes she takes projects home to work on them. Either way, she likes giving her time as a volunteer, helping to make a situation better.

Not everyone volunteers. It is rewarding, and that’s what makes me feel good. I’m glad I’m doing all kinds of different things. That’s what I want.

The Reserve is fortunate to have the support and talents of so many volunteers like Chris. There’s more from Chris below, and if you would like to discover how to become a volunteer, consider attending our virtual “Spring Into Action” volunteer information session on April 2nd or fill out a volunteer application.

More from Chris!

What is a fun fact people might not know about you?

I’m Canadian-born, and I speak a second language. I came down from Canada with my family when I was 4 ½ years old. I also like to rescue pets. I had a rescue Greyhound for six years, and two feral cats. I love to ride my bicycle. I'm also a twin and live next door to my sister.  

Do you have a favorite spot or trail?

Ray and I had a favorite bench near the flagpole. We’d sit there, with the view and the wind. I love seeing the view of Mt. Agamenticus. That’s one of my favorite spots besides the Barrier Beach Trail.