Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are a key part of our mission at the Orange County Arboretum working directly with Horticulturist Peter Patel. In 2015, volunteers gave thousands of hours of service at the Arboretum! We welcome newcomers to the area as well as those just discovering the Arboretum, experienced gardeners, and those willing to learn. Students fulfilling community service hours, retirees, and clubs as well as friends, all are welcome. Seasonal, as well as year-round projects, are available. 
 

Hands-on Gardening

The hands-on gardening program is great for gardeners that enjoy working along with their friends while helping the horticulture staff with special gardening projects and daily up-keep. Volunteers work in the greenhouses starting in February culminating with the plant sales in May and planting in the gardens in May and June. Then there is the tending of the gardens till the Fall. When the Fall display is finished in October, the Spring bulbs are planted, The crafter volunteers start working on projects for the Christmas Boutique in August and continue till the Boutique starts after Thanksgiving through New Years'. There is much work to be done and a variety of volunteer opportunities and the efforts of all the volunteers are truly appreciated by the Friends of Orange County Arboretum.
 

Garden Docent

If you have a love of both horticulture and history that you would like to share with others, become a Garden Docent at Orange County Arboretum! Garden Docents will lead informative and inspiring group tours of the gardens and grounds. If you are interested in this volunteer program, please know that:

• Garden Docents should be comfortable with public speaking.

• Most tours will take place on weekdays.

• Training in notable features, plant collections, and Arboretum history will be provided.

• This program is open to volunteers ages 19 and up.

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Special Events

Special events include our Holiday Boutique and Lights in Bloom in December, Adult classes in leaf casting, hypertufa (anthropic rock made from various aggregates bonded together using Portland cement), pruning, etc., and children's classes and programs.
 

For more information about volunteering please email: volunteer@orangecountyarboretum.org

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Or apply here: