Bethany House and Garden welcomes new staff members 

Willie Madl hired as Groundskeeper

Willie Madl, a native of Topeka, was recently hired as Groundskeeper for Bethany House and Garden, starting in his new position on May 2. In this role, he provides oversight and care to the Gardens at Bethany Place and supports diocesan outreach to community and educational partners.  He also works to implement sustainable gardening practices. The position is currently part-time but could possibly expand in the future.

Willie comes from a long line of farmers and gardeners, and his family primarily eats what is grown in the gardens around their home. He is committed to sustainable and organic practices in his home garden and looks forward to implementing a similar method at Bethany House and Garden while continuing to learn new things. Willie’s wife is an English Teacher at Topeka High and has already begun bringing her students out into the garden for classes in May, reading scenes from Romeo and Juliet. Willie is excited to see how the garden and its ministry will continue to develop in the coming years.

Hannah Nuest to serve as Biodiversity Intern for the summer

Hannah Nuest has been hired to serve as Biodiversity Intern at Bethany House and Garden for the summer. The Biodiversity Internship is an opportunity to learn and share the history of the grounds at Bethany House and Garden, and the role of native grasses in water retention, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity. This intern will have the opportunity to learn about the reparation of the land and restoration of native species and participate in programming with local schools and community groups. Hannah is a recent graduate of the University of Kansas, with a Master’s in Environmental Assessment. She is looking forward to applying her studies to her new position. Hannah is a native Kansan and enjoys early morning nature walks in places like the Flint Hills.