Portraits: Yolima Carr
Yolima Carr, Columbian native and Landscape Conservation Curator at Paradise Creek Nature Park, started her horticulture journey at a young age, a passion for plants instilled in her by her father.
“My father was an expert horticulturist, and out of eight kids my parents have, I was the only one to follow his career in plants. My father really was an expert in fruit trees…and I went through many places with him to see the beautiful work he did, and that’s where he kind of gave me the passion.”
Yolima learned about horticulture in many different places, journeying from Columbia to Spain, and this allowed her to get a fuller education on all varieties of species.
“It was fascinating to be able to go from…the tropical plants of Columbia - we had the nice weather year-round…to the four seasons in Europe and in Spain. I was exposed to a totally different landscape.”
From there, Yolima’s journey brought her to America in 1993. She had a plethora of jobs that all allowed her to utilize her extensive horticulture knowledge. Her jobs ranged from the Virginia Zoo to the Hermitage Museum and Gardens, until she finally landed in her current job at Paradise Creek.
“I like the word curator. I say I curate the plants…Conservation means that you care, you maintain, you protect the environment.”
Spanning 40-acres, Paradise Creek features beautiful waterfront landscapes that are all carefully protected and restored by the Elizabeth River Project. This project spans from preserving the wetlands to beautifying the area.
“My job in here is really enhancing the habitat…and again continue sharing this to people to learn about this park.”
Yolima emphasizes how important nature is to us, both physically and mentally. She urges people to take advantage of Paradise Creek’s beauty and serenity to help restore and renew - especially during the pandemic.
“You had to be enclosed in the house and work from the house, and you needed a moment to breathe fresh air, you were able to come to this park. It helped you mentally and physically to come in here and walk for ten minutes, twenty minutes. And just that connection with nature is so good for you to refocus.”
A film by Terra Turner and Laura Christian.
Art by Matthew Gillan.
Edited by Sylvie Joyner and Art Parkerson.
Produced by Laura Christian.
Yolima was gracious enough to give her interview questions in Spanish as well. If you would like to see the Spanish version of this film, click the video below.
Retratos: Yolima Carr, Curador de conservación del paisaje
