This month’s Volunteer Spotlight shines on Andrea Cubelo-McKay, one of the leaders on our amazing and formidable Native Plant Sale (NPS) Team. Andrea moved to Loudoun in 1999, bringing with her a deep love of gardening that led to an equally deep love of native plants.
Andrea began volunteering with Loudoun Wildlife’s Native Plant Sale in 2022 and stepped up to a leadership role in 2024. During that time, the Native Plant Sale has grown in scope and popularity as one of the highlights of the LWC calendar each fall and spring. Far more than a sale, the event educates the public on the importance of natives and provides an engaging series of speakers on a wide variety of native plant subjects. Andrea values the camaraderie and teamwork that make the NPS Team so special. She and her fellow volunteers bring enthusiasm, dedication, and a sense of fun to their shared mission of promoting native plants and supporting local conservation efforts.
One of the many reasons Andrea is so successful in her volunteer work is her deep appreciation for community. She is passionate about caring for our natural world right here at home and helping others learn how they can make a positive impact, too. That’s what the Native Plant Sale is all about.
Andrea is a Virginia Master Naturalist with the Banshee Reeks Chapter, and gaining that certification deepened her connection to the natural world. During her training, she discovered one of her favorite outdoor destinations in Loudoun County: the Dulles Wetlands, a place she considers a hidden gem for observing wildlife and enjoying nature.
Wildlife conservation and time spent outdoors are especially meaningful to Andrea because they help her feel grounded, centered, and connected to the world around her. Through her volunteer work, she’s found a greater sense of interconnectedness with both nature and her community.
The work that goes into the planning and execution of each Native Plant Sale is immense, and we can’t thank Andrea and her teammates enough for the time, passion, and energy they give to making each sale a success on so many levels. We always say Loudoun Wildlife is “volunteer-powered,” and a lot of that power comes from Andrea and her team!
For anyone considering volunteering with Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy, Andrea offers this encouragement: “Don’t be afraid to jump right in. Folks are kind and eager to teach!”
Andrea is definitely one of those “folks,” and we are so honored — and grateful — to spotlight her amazing work!
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