VOLUNTEER
Friends of the Arboretum Volunteers
The Arboretum is a wonderful place where the expertise of the Cooperative Extension staff, the beauty of the gardens, and the dedication of many volunteers creates an exciting environment for learning inspiration. Come grow with us!
As a volunteer here, you can experience personal satisfaction, lifelong learning, and wonderful friendships through your work with the staff and fellow volunteers. Whether you are interested in volunteering for a single event or serving on a standing committee, your help is invaluable!
Here is a sample of the opportunities waiting for you through the Friends organization:
Gift Shop: Volunteers work in our lovely gift shop helping visitors with purchases, operating the cash register, and keeping merchandise displays orderly. Training is provided by staff and experienced volunteers. Gift shop hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Volunteers generally work 3 hour shifts in the morning or afternoon.
Special Events: Support the Arboretum by volunteering at one of our wonderful annual fundraising events such as Art in the Arboretum Show & Sale (held in the fall each year) or other special programs.
Volunteer Opportunities with Extension
Overview of Programs
The continued success of the Arboretum depends in large part on our ever-growing group of dedicated volunteers. Below are some of our current volunteer opportunities:
Gardening: For various aspects of the Arboretum. Volunteers weed, plant, mulch, monitor, and enjoy the Gardens. Garden volunteers learn about our native plants and weeds, basic botany, plant care and ecological relationships. All tools and training are provided. Individuals and groups are welcome. One-time, biweekly, or weekly schedules are available. We currently have opportunities in the following areas: Container Care, Main Garden Maintenance, Japanese Gardens, Rose Garden, Vegetable Garden, Children’s Garden, Butterfly Garden, Water Garden/Pond Maintenance, Herb Garden, Carpentry, and Greenhouse.
Master Gardener Association: Trained volunteers work with the Consumer Horticulture Agent to support the Consumer Horticulture Program. Master Gardeners staff the Plant Clinic to answer questions and suggest best gardening practices for area residents. Eight weeks of classroom training and 50 hours of volunteer time is required to become a certified Master Gardener. To learn more contact: Matt Collogan, Consumer Horticultural Agent at mcollogan@nhcgov.com.
4-H Youth: Volunteers work through the 4-H Agent assisting with education programming for youth development. To learn more, contact Elizabeth Stratton, 4-H Program Assistant at ekstratt@ncsu.edu
Ability Garden: The Ability Garden is a therapeutic horticulture program which empowers the under-served through gardening, education, inclusion and community engagement. Volunteer opportunities are available in direct services, horticulture, board service, marketing and grant writing. If you are interested in volunteering for this unique program, contact Heather Kelejian, Therapeutic Horticulture Extension Agent via e-mail. You may also visit the Ability Garden web-site or Facebook page.
Tours: Trained volunteers give tours throughout the gardens.
Office: We are always seeking friendly, outgoing people to help in the Extension office. Volunteers may assist with public relations, phone work, or contribute newsletter publishing and computer expertise.
Special Events: Support the Arboretum by volunteering at one of our wonderful annual fundraising events such as the Master Gardener Annual Spring Plant Sale.
For more information on how to get involved call the Information Desk at (910)798-7660.