Volunteer

Volunteers are an integral part of how the botanic garden operates, and a cherished part of our community! The botanic garden is now accepting new docent volunteers at this time. Apply today!

Docents play a vital role in extending the reach of what the botanic garden is able to offer. These volunteers lead tours through the greenhouses and gardens, staff our reception area and exhibition gallery, and serve as hosts for events such as the opening of the Spring Bulb Show.

woman with white hair teaching a group of 10 year old students around plants

A docent orientation spans three sessions, which are held once a year in January, followed by training tours and monthly meetings. Training includes a history of the botanic garden; tours of the conservatory; basic botany and horticulture; commercial, medicinal and food plants of Lyman Plant House; and how to guide visitors and school groups. Docents are asked to participate for one full year, including attending the monthly meetings. Please note that volunteers do not engage in any hands-on horticultural work.

older woman with gray hair, glasses and a flowered red cardigan standing at a counter at the botanic garden lobby

Volunteers support our work in two primary ways:
• Educational Tour Guides: The botanic garden provides guided educational tours to K-12 students, college students and adults. Docents choose which tours they want to lead and sign-up according to their schedule.
• Front Desk Reception and Audience Engagement: Front desk shifts take place on Saturday and Sundays, and during Spring Bulb Show. Shifts are held from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm and 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm.

Docents are required to be certified in Minors Safety and have an Accurate background check.

Please note: In order to be as equitable as possible, the botanic garden does not allow Smith students to volunteer. Instead, we encourage students to look for paid opportunities with us through Workday or to explore working with us for academic credit.