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Volunteer

Without the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers, The Ruth Bancroft Garden would not be here today. Volunteers are instrumental in maintaining the garden and supporting the organization. Volunteering at the Garden is a wonderful way to enjoy this exceptional garden and contribute to its success. We accept applications year-round.

Volunteer Application

Ruth Bancroft Garden volunteers must:

  1. Have a current RBG membership. Learn more about the benefits of membership here.  Inquire with jacki@ruthbancroftgarden.org if you need financial assistance.
  2. Have an email address; this is our main form of communication for all RBG volunteers.
  3. Submit an online volunteer application form.
  4. Be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

 

After an application form is received, a short/informal interview will be scheduled.  Volunteers will then be asked to:

  1. Read and agree to follow the Garden’s volunteer policies and procedures as defined in our Volunteer Handbook.
  2. Complete and submit online paperwork that includes Acknowledgement of Volunteer Handbook policies, Release of Liability, and proof of COVID vaccination.
  3. Complete an online harassment prevention training and submit certificate of completion.
  4. Attend a brief orientation.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

See below for our various volunteer opportunities at the garden.  Click on the job title below to see a brief description of the key duties and time commitments involved.

Weeding Warriors

Weeding Warriors provide valuable assistance in helping the Garden to look it’s best.  You will be asked to bring your own bucket, weeding tool and kneel pad.

Time: Thursday mornings (9am-11am)

Tasks: Garden weeding, fertilizing, path maintenance

Office Assistance Volunteers

Office Assistance Volunteers – help the office staff with a variety of clerical, computer, design and/or data entry tasks depending upon your interests and skill set.  Must be computer/internet-literate.

Time: flexible Tuesdays – Fridays between 9am – 4pm

Sample Tasks:

  • Mailings (stuff envelopes, sticker mailing addresses, etc.)
  • Graphic Design (create flyers, signage for events)
  • Data entry (Excel, Altru; training provided)
  • Outreach (design, distribution and research)

Special Event Volunteers

Event Volunteers help when we need extra people-power during special events such as our Plant Sales, Annual Dinner, Sculpture Show, Garden of d’Lights and other social and educational events.

Time: variable days and times throughout the year

Tasks: support with set-up and clean-up, and during the event things such as greeters, parking attendants, beverage servers, guides, etc.

PlantSnap App Volunteer

PlantSnap App Volunteer –  The PlantSnap App helps people ID plants with their mobile phone.  RBG has a notable plant collection that we’d like to add to their database, as it’s a crowd-sourced index of photos and plant names.

  • Requirements– Must have your own smartphone (that you know how to navigate fairly easily) that has sufficient storage space for photos and purchase/install the Premium version of the Plant Snap app (not the free version).
  • Commitment– The initial trial run will be to capture the What’s in Bloom hand-out (generated at the beginning of each month).  You will be required to come to the garden during the first week of the month for approximately 2 hours (depending on smartphone skill set).

Garden Monitor

Garden Monitor – Welcome visitors and help patrol the Garden during open hours to prevent plant damage/theft.

  • Requirements – Must be able to walk/stay on your feet for two hours in the Garden.  Read the “Bold Dry Garden” book.
  • Commitment: Flexible. Various opportunities during open hours, Tuesday-Sunday.

Children's Education- Field Trip Docent

Children’s Field Trip Docent– Lead a group of school-aged children on a garden tour.

  • Requirements – Complete docent training.  Submit to a background check.

Time: Seasonal (mainly during the school year during school hours).  Two hours at a time.

Children's Education- Field Trip Propagation Table Host

Children’s Field Trip Propagation Table Host– Prepare the propagation activity table and lead the propagation activity with school-aged children.  Children Education Director will provide a short tutorial.

  • Requirements – Must be able to lift 20 pounds.  Submit to a background check.

Time: Seasonal (mainly during the school year during school hours).  Two hours at a time.

Children's Education- Girl/Boy Scout Group Propagation Table Host

Children’s Education- Girl/Boy Scout Group Propagation Table Host– Assist the lead docent.  Prepare handouts and the propagation activity table and lead the propagation activity with school-aged children.  Children Education Director will provide a short tutorial.

  • Requirements – Must be able to lift 20 pounds.  Submit to a background check.

Time: Seasonal (mainly during the school year).  Two hours at a time. Can be after school hours and sometimes during the weekends.

Children's Education- Activity Table Host

Children’s Education- Activity Table Host– Explain and assist activity to children.

  • Requirements – Submit to a background check.

Time: Variable times, scheduled throughout the year.  Two hours at a time.

Outreach Ambassador

Outreach Ambassador– Handout/drop off flyers/postcards at various local organizations (ex libraries), help with setup/take down of outreach tables at local events and answer general questions about the Ruth Bancroft Garden during the offsite, outreach events.

  • Requirements – Must be outgoing and willing to engage with the general public.

Time: Variable times, scheduled as needed.  Check in monthly for printed material distribution in the neighborhood.