Volunteers are an invaluable asset at Jenkins, playing a vital role in our programs and activities. Their enthusiasm, dedication, and diverse skills make so much possible. In return, the time they spend in the garden, greenhouse, nursery, and Education Center enriches their own lives. At Jenkins, new volunteers become part of a welcoming community of passionate and knowledgeable nature lovers who help us fulfill our mission.
Ready to roll up your sleeves?
Download and fill out our volunteer application, then return to volunteer@jenkinsarboretum.org. Applications may be submitted at any time.
All of us that work at Jenkins, whether we’re volunteers or paid staff, have a love of nature, a shared green thread that connects us like a family. I can sum up my experience at Jenkins with one word: gratitude
Mary Ellen H., Volunteer
Hort. Blitz
Join with other volunteers to help Jenkins’ Horticulture team tackle a large-scale project during our one-day Volunteer Hort. Blitzes. Put on a pair of sturdy shoes and get ready to accomplish something big together. We typically host Hort. Blitzes in the spring and fall.
Garden Greeters
Led by our Visitor Services Team, Garden Greeters provide a warm welcome to our visitors. They answer questions, help with wayfinding, assist in The Garden Shop, and maintain our Explorer Vest program. Garden Greeters are scheduled for regular shifts throughout the week.
Scout Projects
Learn something new at Jenkins while fulfilling the requirements for an award project. Past projects have included planting a test site for azaleas, planting American Chestnuts in our Conservation Woodlands, and removing invasive species from a floodplain area.
Garden Group
Led by the Head Horticulturist, Garden Volunteers assist with maintenance tasks such as pruning, mulching, weeding, deadheading, “de-leafing”, and walking the trails to break and scatter the never-ending stream of fallen sticks and twigs. They also assist staff with garden improvements such as editing beds, removing competition from collection plants, planting, and transplanting. Garden Volunteers work outdoors in small groups on Thursday mornings.
Greenhouse Group
Led by the Greenhouse and Nursery Manager, Greenhouse Volunteers propagate thousands of plants destined for either the gardens or The Garden Shop. They clean and sow seeds, prep and stick cuttings, and pot up divisions from the garden. Greenhouse Volunteers work outdoors in small groups on Thursday mornings.
Conservation Crew
Led by the Director of Horticulture, Conservation Volunteers assist with a wide range of tasks in Jenkins’ natural areas, some of which have been restored and some of which are in progress. They remove invasive species, plant native species, process fallen trees and branches, and install and maintain trails. Conservation Volunteers work outdoors in small groups on Thursday mornings.
Trade your office for a garden view!
Do you have a group interested in a one-day volunteer project at Jenkins? Our projects are the perfect team-building activity for corporate groups, such as pulling invasive species in spring or cutting back perennials in fall.
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