Volunteer Program
There are many benefits to volunteering at the Gardens. You will have opportunities to meet new people and make new friends, receive practical hands-on experience, share interests and hobbies with others, work in a beautiful and stimulating environment, and make your community a better place to live. An added benefit is the satisfaction that comes with helping The Gardens fulfill its mission by providing valuable services and programs for school children, gardeners, nature enthusiasts, professional horticulturists, homeowners and many others in the community, and from across the state.
Volunteers are an essential component to the success of The Gardens. Without the continued support from our volunteers, we would not be able to accomplish as much as we do. Below you can read about the variety of volunteer opportunities available. No volunteer will be turned down due to lack of experience, but we do want to make sure we can connect your interests and experience with the Gardens’ needs.
Gardens Maintenance & Restoration
The Gardens Maintenance and Restoration volunteers are the backbone of the gardens team. Team members are willing to get dirty planting, pruning, weeding, among other hands-on activities. This position varies from day to day in accordance with the season and the varying needs of the Gardens.
Gardens Tour Docents
Our Gardens Tour Docents are our guides of the Gardens, who work with tour groups to introduce them to the Gardens and help them discover its beauty. Our docents should be skilled in both communication and public speaking skills.
Gardens Event or Outreach
The Gardens hosts and participates in a variety of events and outreach opportunities throughout the year. Responsibilities could include educating others about The Gardens, helping with educational and/or craft type activities for people of all ages, or recruiting others to become volunteers at the Gardens.
Gardens Youth Education Guides
Our Gardens Youth Education Guides help us to fulfill the Gardens mission of engaging students in a living teaching environment and encouraging curiosity, discovery, and wonder for the natural world. Our Education Guides should enjoy working with students from pre-k through high school and public speaking.
Gardens Curation Assistants
Documenting and monitoring plant collections is a vital part of any public garden. Garden curation assistants help to document, label, and update records associated with the proper classification, location, and origin of the plants included within The Garden’s collections.
Plant Propagation / Production Assistants
Plant propagation and production assistants help to assure the continued diversity and testing of new plants by assisting garden personnel in propagating and growing plants for eventual outplanting in The Gardens. Volunteers will assist with and learn about seed and vegetative production of plants and assist with container production of new plants for The Gardens.
How do I Become a Volunteer in The Gardens?
Click the links below to complete a volunteer application or, you can send us an e-mail at gardens@ag.tamu.edu and state which service opportunity interests you.
If you are looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity to complete community service hours, please complete the individual volunteer application and the appropriate questions so that we try to accommodate your request. You may also contact us at gardens@ag.tamu.edu
Upcoming Volunteer Events
If you are interested in volunteering for any of the events below, please reach out to The Gardens at gardens@ag.tamu.edu.
