Volunteers are the heart of The North Carolina Arboretum, contributing their time, talents, enthusiasm and energy to every aspect of operations. The North Carolina Arboretum’s volunteers have been an integral part of the Arboretum’s history and help achieve the mission of cultivating connections between people and plants.
Volunteering at The North Carolina Arboretum
Volunteers learn new skills, make a positive impact on the environment and advance The North Carolina Arboretum’s mission through their hands-on support of the gardens and programs. All active volunteers who give a minimum of 50 hours of service a year receive a free parking pass for the extent of their commitment. Volunteers also receive discounts at Bent Creek Bistro and Connections Gallery and receive special invites to workshops, events and training.
Volunteer Requirements
Regular volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and may commit to a weekly, monthly or “on-call” schedule, based on department needs. After completing a volunteer application, background check and orientation, volunteers train alongside Arboretum staff and experienced volunteers. To learn more, email volunteering@ncarboretum.org or call 828-665-2492 ext. 333.
Attend a Volunteer Training Session
New volunteers are encouraged to attend a Volunteer Informational Meeting. These meetings are normally scheduled three times per month from March to October and are a great way for prospective volunteers to learn about the Arboretum’s history, mission and programs. Then, volunteers work with individual departments or attend specific training sessions to learn the finer points of their volunteer position. To stay informed of upcoming trainings and opportunities, fill out a volunteer profile below.
