Gee Brownley does not wear a cape. She has no shield or insignia. She has never been in a comic book or movie.
Nonetheless, in the estimation of many, she is as close to a local superhero as one can get. She is a volunteer at Machicomoco State Park in Hayes. Armed with only a hat from Costco, a sharp pair of khakis, and her volunteer polo, Gee gets the job done.
Whether that job involves cleaning flower beds, pruning butterfly bushes, or educating local schoolchildren about wildlife, Gee meets the challenge with joyful resolve and a sense of wonder for the natural world.
Recently, Gee was awarded a great honor; she was named the 2024 Virginia State Parks Individual Volunteer of the Year. After accumulating over 240 volunteer hours last year, Chief Ranger Josh Mazzatenta put her name in the running. Gee’s service record stood out among nominees from across the state of Virginia. She was awarded her plaque and certificate last month.
Machicomoco State Park is located on Timberneck Farm R...