Carol Mulvihll Ahlers’ Love Story
May 28, 2025
By Bridget Micieli-Martinez
“It was love at first sight,” shared longtime volunteer and supporter of the Trust, Carol Mulvihill Ahlers, during a recent stroll through Bridge Gardens in Bridgehampton. “I am a committed volunteer of Bridge Gardens and am excited to see the gardens grow into a nurturing and accessible learning resource and community center that welcomes everyone.” Carol has been volunteering at the Trust’s public garden, Bridge Gardens, for the past decade and holds an advanced degree in weedology, the painstaking practice of removing unwanted vegetation from inconvenient locations. Interestingly, Carol is not an avid gardener; however, she possesses the heart, soul, and dedication of a steadfast steward. She relishes her weekly visits, not only to clear the brick walkways and garden beds of pesky weeds but also to enjoy the serenity and every-changing light and colors of the gardens.
Carol was introduced to the garden many years ago when she attended an afternoon garden soiree hosted by the Trust, where she met Rick Bogusch, Bridge Gardens’ Director. As she wandered along the paths and chatted with other guests, she knew she wanted to become more involved.
No stranger to conservation efforts, Carol has worked with the Trust in various capacities. She has been a friend, supporter, and confidante, serving as a board member for six years and as an active member of the Bridge Gardens Advisory Committee, all while maintaining her role as the head volunteer of the weed patrol at Bridge Gardens. For seven years, she chaired the Through Farms and Fields committee, skillfully guiding the event through various changes during the COVID 19 pandemic. Growing up hiking through the woods and exploring the beaches of the South Fork with her family, she grew to appreciate the magic of living at the intersection of land and sea. She also shared the love of the land with her dear aunt, Dolores Zebrowski, who worked with the Trust staff in the early 2000’s to conserve family lands before her passing. Carol and her family cherish her aunt’s success. Today the nearly 125 acres of the Anna and Daniel Mulvihill Preserve in Sag Harbor remain the home to diverse woodland plants, including a white pine forest, tupelo maple trees, birch and beech trees, and a myriad of migrating birds and other wildlife. This area serves as a crucial groundwater recharge zone, helping to protect our local drinking water.
Looking to the future of conservation opportunities, Carol envisions Bridge Gardens as an all-inclusive learning and community hub. Currently, the Gardens host an expansive demonstration vegetable garden, many native and non-native perennials, annuals, shrubs, and trees, a rose garden, and a unique four-quadrant herb garden featuring culinary, medicinal, ornamental, and textile and dye plants. Her hopes for the growth of Bridge Gardens are as abundant as the daffodils in springtime. As the Trust prepares for the next chapter of Bridge Gardens, the strategic plan includes an adaptive reuse of the Garden House, which will make the space ADA compliant and expand areas for learning and discussions on important environmental issues. As an active member of the Bridge Gardens Advisory Committee, Carol is eager to assist in planning for its future.
So, the next time you find yourself strolling along one of the paths at Bridge Gardens, take a moment to look down. Notice the manicured lines, colorful flower beds, and adobe-colored bricks. What you won’t see are creeping weed patches, largely thanks to the dedicated efforts of a remarkable volunteer, Carol Mulvihill Ahlers. It’s the little details that we often take for granted, but they make all the difference for now and in the future.
Bridget Micieli-Martinez
Senior Marketing and Events Manager
bmartinez@peconiclandtrust.org