Volunteer

Our docents spark curiosity and a love of the natural world in kids of all ages through the Arb and Gardens’ school and youth programming. For many of the docents, it’s the unique combination of personal interest and educational development that inspires them to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with others. A comprehensive eight-week training, ongoing education, and two-year commitment is required. This opportunity is recruited for only as-needed (often a 2-year cycle). We likely will recruit again in 2024!

• Lead school-age children in guided interpretive programs that emphasize exploration and discovery. Programs satisfy Michigan Science Education standards (weekday mornings/academic year)
• Lead youth and families in activities that promote environmental enjoyment and stewardship. (evenings and weekends/ year-round)
• Conduct occasional adult tours
• Work with fellow docents and staff to develop educational materials
• Enjoy a rewarding service-learning opportunity

Read all about what an impact our Docents make to our volunteer program and their own lives here.

Part of the University of Michigan Sustainable Food Program (UMSFP) the Campus Farm is located at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. As much laboratory as classroom, the Campus Farm connects students with nature through small-scale food production. Workdays are scheduled throughout the growing season. Volunteer information for this program can be found here. 

These public stewardship events are held each month at the Arb (2nd Saturdays) and Gardens (3rd Saturdays) from 9 am-noon. Full details about how to join as an individual or group can be found here. To receive quarterly email reminders about these workdays sign up below:

Learn more about your favorite natural areas & trails while you help preserve the native eco-systems at the Arb & Gardens! Activities primarily include the removal of non-native, invasive plants. Fall/winter work involves the use of loppers and hand saws as well as cutting, dragging, and piling brush. Spring/summer work primarily involves hand weeding.

Volunteers may also help with general trail maintenance activities include lining, clearing of fallen debris, pruning trailside plants, erosion control, litter pick up, and some limited construction projects. Occasional tree care activities include planting, mulching, caging, staking and pruning.

Only recruiting for this position as-needed given the specialized work and small volunteer team. 

Our prescribed burn team learns about and participates in the use of controlled fire as a restoration tool. All activities are physically demanding. Volunteers are on call for weekday, afternoon burns (1:00-4:00pm) at the Arb & Gardens. Flexible schedule is required. Email jplakke@umich.edu to further discuss and be added to our email list for burn day recruitment (“on the job” training happens!).

Ambassador roles are for volunteers who have a love of learning and interest in working with a diverse population of visitors. Shifts are variable based on the specific Ambassador program. May-October time frame, with the exception of the Peony program only having June shifts.

• Garden Ambassador
• Peony Ambassador

Each of these programs has a spring kick-off and required training.

Volunteers who like engaging with diverse audiences during variable sized events will welcome this opportunity! The majority of our special events and plant sales happen during May, June, September, and October annually. Volunteer roles are often greeters, plant sale assistants, ushers, craft and special activity assistant, etc.

Examples of our events and plant sales that often involve volunteers are:

• May- Spring Plant Sales
• June- Shakespeare in the Arb nightly performances
• July- Things with Wings
• September- Native Plant Sale, Cactus and Succulent Sale
• October- Zombie Run and Pumpkins, Lanterns, and Leaves