Become part of the Cornell Botanic Gardens team as a volunteer!
Interested in leading guided tours for the general public or for school-aged groups? Garden Docent Training begins April 4 and training for Wildflower Garden Facilitators begins February 28.
Also beginning this spring, there are opportunities to volunteer in our cultivated collections and natural areas.
Garden Guide
If you love plants, gardens and the natural world, and have a desire to share that love with others, you are qualified to join our Garden Guide (docent) program. Garden Guides serve as ambassadors to a large and diverse audience throughout the spring, summer and early fall. Our Guides interpret the diverse plant collections, unique landscapes and compelling history of Cornell Botanic Gardens, and educate adult visitors about the importance and interdependence of plants, people and the natural world. Trainings include both indoor and outdoor sessions, and there are opportunities to shadow and learn from experienced docents. The 2018 core training program will take place on Wednesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in April and May, at the Nevin Welcome Center, beginning April 4, with additional trainings to be scheduled through in the summer. (Complete schedule for 2018 to be announced.) Training is free and all materials will be provided. All you need bring is your curiosity and enthusiasm!
Join the Wildflower Explorations Team!
Are you interested in working with kids and getting them excited about plants? Join our volunteer Wildflower Explorations team as they engage local 3rd grade students in learning about our native wildflowers. Our enthusiastic staff will teach you all you need to know to engage with students in their classrooms in March and April followed by field trips to the Mundy Wildflower Garden in May. The first session starts February 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. in the Nevin Welcome Center.
Contact Raylene Ludgate at [email protected] for more details and to sign up!
Cultivated Plant Collections
Volunteers participate in many ways in our diverse plant collections, working closely with skilled horticulturists in our gardens and arboretum. Typical work includes weeding, transplanting seedlings, planting annuals, dividing perennials, edging garden beds, taking cuttings, and more. If you like to work outside with your hands in the dirt, this is the opportunity for you!
Natural Areas
Our 3,000-plus acres of natural areas, including the Mundy Wildflower Garden, offer opportunities for volunteers to work directly with native, naturalized and invasive flora of the Cayuga Lake Basin. Natural areas volunteers help protect fragile habitats and rare plants while learning effective conservation techniques and stewardship practices. Student and community groups can also help by participating in group service projects, such as trail maintenance or invasive plant removal.
You can learn more about these opportunities and fill out our online volunteer application form HERE, or contact Kevin Moss, Adult Education & Volunteer Coordinator, at [email protected], (607) 254-7430.