Volunteer
Individual & Group Opportunities
Volunteer at Botanica
At Botanica, volunteers make the difference. Our Gardens were built from the ground up by people who simply loved plants and wanted to share that love with others. That same spirit drives our volunteer program today. Whether you're helping a child discover their first butterfly, assisting guests at a concert, or keeping our beds vibrant with seasonal color, your work creates joy and beauty. It’s also a chance to grow—learning something new, connecting with others, and giving back in a space that feeds both the senses and the soul.
Available Volunteer Roles for Individuals
Youth Education Volunteers
- Field Trip Guides assist school groups as they rotate through scheduled activities. Shifts are typically 9 AM–12:30 PM on weekdays during the school year.
- Butterfly House Hosts welcome families into our seasonal Butterfly House (June–October) and guide interactive learning with educational props and displays. Shifts are 9 AM–1 PM, 1–5 PM, or 5–8 PM daily.
- Wonder Wednesdays Volunteers help set up and lead themed stations for children and caregivers during this April–October weekly program. Shifts are 9 AM–12:30 PM.
Garden Volunteers
Garden volunteers help keep Botanica beautiful year-round. Tasks may include planting, weeding, mulching, and deadheading depending on the season. Volunteer on your own time or join one of our lively Weed & Feed days—garden in the morning, then enjoy the lunch provided by Botanica. Great for individuals or groups.
Garden Ambassadors (Tour Guides)
Lead engaging tours for groups. You'll learn our garden highlights and history and help guests get the most out of their visit. Shifts are scheduled around tour bookings and vary week to week. Training provided.
Train Operators
Return to your childhood as a train operator in our miniature Train Garden! No experience necessary—we’ll train you. Volunteers help run our G-Scale trains and interact with guests in a relaxed outdoor setting. Shifts are 4 hours long, offered daily 9 AM–8 PM. Great weekend and evening opportunity.
Admissions & Visitor Services
- Admissions Volunteers greet guests, provide maps and info, selling tickets and memberships, and help answer questions. May be asked to run a register.
- Gift Shop Volunteers assist with purchases and merchandise displays.
- Scheduled 4-hour shifts (designed to support daily operations), and consistently run daily 9 AM-1 PM, 1 PM-5 PM, and 5 PM-8 PM.
Special Event Support
Help bring our biggest events to life! Opportunities include event set-up, activity stations, greeting guests, and more. Roles vary depending on the event. Shifts are flexible and often occur on weekends or evenings. Great for one-time volunteers, families, and groups.
Special Events: Tulip Fest, Symphony in the Gardens, BOOtanica, Illuminations, and many more!
Age Requirements
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Volunteers aged 14–15 must volunteer alongside a parent or guardian. Volunteers aged 16 and up may volunteer independently.
Volunteer Benefits
As a Botanica volunteer, you’ll receive:
- 40% off concessions while on shift
- 25% off one gift shop purchase during your birthday month
- Monthly coffee events with free food and conversation
- Free snacks and lunches on scheduled gardening days (Weed & Feeds)
- Access to our volunteer newsletter with upcoming opportunities and updates
- Milestone recognition for cumulative hours (shirts, pins, and more)
- Free admission to Botanica while volunteering and earned guest passes for service hours
And beyond the perks, volunteering is a great way to stay active, make new friends, and experience the joy of giving back in a beautiful environment.
Ready to Get Started?
Apply online using the link below. Once your application and background check are approved, you'll receive your login for VicNet—our volunteer portal where you can schedule shifts, track your hours, and explore open positions.