meet our volunteers

March 2020
Gary was employed as education director at the Center before he transitioned to a volunteer. His volunteering began after retirement in 2013 and he enjoys both the people and seeing the enthusiasm while working with volunteer groups. He enjoyed planting the split rail fence by the potting shed and building quote boards in the Children’s Garden. Gary shares his unique perspective as a volunteer and a former employee by saying, "The small Botanical Center staff is truly dedicated to the center’s mission and always appreciates volunteer help."  
Gary says, “Arrive ready to enjoy projects that are both challenging and rewarding. There are a variety of opportunities, both inside and out, to match potential volunteer interests. Volunteers, come join us!"
December 2019
Gary and Ina began volunteering when the Children’s Garden was being built. Their 500+ volunteer hours in the gardens have been spent guiding Boy Scouts and showing them about service to others, hanging lights for Winter Nights Winter Lights and helping with garden upkeep. 

​Ina volunteers for the sense of accomplishment she achieves and for a chance to enjoy the beautiful gardens. She encourages others to volunteer and that even an hour or two can make a difference. She claims, "Volunteering grows on you!"
January 2020
It's been almost twenty years since Jim and Dianne Andrews, two retired Alwood elementary school teachers, began volunteering at the Botanical Center and we're so grateful for their commitment to our gardens! They have helped by decorating the lobby trees during the holidays, laying bricks in the walkways, building musical toys in the Children's Garden and pulling many weeds and planting multitudes of flowers.
 
Jim and Dianne volunteer to stay connected to our youth by supporting all the Botanical Center does to bring people and plants together in fun and meaningful ways. Dianne encourages anybody to volunteer at the gardens and says it’s easy, fun and rewarding.
​November 2019
Dale, our volunteer veteran, has dedicated hundreds of hours to the Botanical Center since 2013. Whether his time is spent conceptualizing, building and adding bridges to the miniature railroad, traveling to other cities to collect unused track or constructing the wall in our new fairy garden, we greatly appreciate his talents!

YEAR-ROUND OPPORTUNITIES

 GUEST SERVICES ATTENDANT
Be a guest services attendant to work any portion of 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Greet guests, operate a very basic register and help guests in The Garden Store. Bring your smiling face, helpful attitude and your hometown knowledge of the QC to help visitors from out of town explore our area.

GARDEN AND GREEN HOUSE
Work with our gardeners mulching, planting, working in the green house, the children’s garden and our tropical  sun garden. Usually 8 AM - 5PM for a few hours.

EDUCATION
Lead a story time, provide help during a craft activity or get involved with other educational activities and programs. Weekend and weekday opportunities for retired teachers, students looking for service hours or those who just enjoy spending time with children.
Community volunteers are critical to the success of our gardens. Have you been feeling the urge to give more and do more in your community? We would love to utilize your skills in the gardens!

Would you rather help set up for special events or work in The Garden Store? Willing to share your botanical or educational expertise by giving tours? Get involved and plant yourself here!

Children are excellent volunteers, and we love their help. Teenaged children can volunteer for special events or help lead crafts and activities. Younger children can help in the gardens with adult supervision.  Including children when volunteering as a guest services representative or educator is discouraged because of the specificity of the work.

Have questions or need to schedule a larger volunteer group? Contact Alicia at 309.794.0991 ext. 210.