Become a Volunteer

Volunteers are essential to the mission of Reeves-Reed Arboretum and are one of the greatest strengths of our organization.  They provide vital support in the gardens and make special events and festivals possible.  Our diverse volunteer network includes students, retirees, avid gardeners, teachers, nature lovers, corporate groups, those looking to volunteer for a few hours, and those looking to volunteer on a regular basis.

So please join us!  Enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum and the camaraderie of being a part of a committed community of Arboretum volunteers!

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:

WEEKLY GROUND FORCE SESSIONS: Work outdoors with our horticulturists to keep our grounds and gardens looking beautiful. Scroll down to the bottom of this page for complete details, dates and times.

DAFFODIL DAY:  Join us for our annual Daffodil Day Festival on Sunday, April 16, 2023 and assist with spring-themed activities including crafts, games and more! The volunteer shifts are 10:30 am - 1 pm, 1 pm - 3:30 pm, or 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. 

GARDEN DOCENT:  Do you have a love of both horticulture and history?  Consider becoming a Reeves-Reed Arboretum Garden Docent!  Learn more about our Garden Docent program by attending one of our free introductory garden tours on Saturday, April 15 at 10:30 am or Monday, April 17 at 1:30 pm.  No experience is necessary.  If you decide to become a Docent, training will be provided.  After the tours, members of the docent team will be available to answer questions about the program. Click here to register for April 15.  Click here to register for April 17.

WOODLAND RESTORATION:  Volunteers will reestablish existing trails, plant native trees, identify and remove invasives, as well as other tasks. No experience necessary. Dress appropriately (boots, long sleeves, pants) and bring a refillable water bottle. Join our Woodland Horticulturist, Daniel, on Fridays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm for this very important project!   

HANDS TO NATURE DOCENTS:  Hands to Nature is one of the Arboretum’s longest running programs.  It is offered free-of-charge to 2nd and 3rd grade school children in urban communities. We provide the children with a light breakfast, followed by science-based nature lessons led by docents, animal themed entertainment, and a pizza lunch. Adult docents are needed Fridays, 9am - 2 pm in October and November.

JR. SUMMER CAMP COUNSELORS: The ideal candidates are personable, energetic, reliable and have an appreciation of nature, as well as experience with children. Must be at least 14 years old, be available for a minimum of 4 weeks of camp and be able to attend all 5 days of any camp session they are covering from 8:30am-1:30pm. Camp begins June 12 and runs through August 25. (There is no camp the weeks of June 26 and July 3.)

**FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR VOLUNTEER POSITIONS** please contact Trish Cassin at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org or call (908) 273-8787 X1616.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, SEASONAL POSITIONS, AND INTERNSHIPS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE!  Please click here for more information.

VOLUNTEER MEMBERSHIPS: We value your time, expertise, and dedication! Volunteers over the age of 18 and completing 12 hours of volunteer service receive an Individual Level Membership.

Ground Force

Join our horticulture staff working outdoors in the spring, fall, summer and now winter, to maintain and enhance the beauty of our gardens and grounds. Weather permitting and keeping in mind current COVID guidelines, join the Horticulture Department outdoors or in the greenhouse. Registration is required in case of cancellations. Tasks may include greenhouse maintenance, including re-potting and pot sanitation and propagation, as well as removing weather-related damage.

Volunteers should:

• Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes and long socks.
• Bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
• Bring rain gear if drizzles are predicted since we will still work in light rain.

We will supply gloves as well as all other tools and materials. For your safety, all tools and gloves are washed and sanitized. Masks are required. Please meet at the barn in our parking lot. If the session is cancelled due to inclement weather or any other reason, we will contact you via email.

PLEASE NOTE:  Registration is required 24 hours in advance.  First-time volunteers must bring a completed Volunteer Waiver form to their first volunteer session.  Click here for the form.