Volunteers from the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, the Friends of Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, and the Master Gardener program care for the grounds and are responsible for all education programs and special events. Regular volunteer work parties take place every Wednesday, February through November. There are also volunteer days on selected Saturdays. New volunteers are always welcome. The Friends, an auxiliary of the Portland Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, is dedicated to maintaining Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden as a year-round place of great beauty.
Friends enjoy free admission for themselves and one guest.
With the exception of a small area, previously developed by Reed College students as a Shakespeare theater that was later abandoned, the site was covered with brush, blackberries and native trees. Lack of security and adequate protection proved this impractical and the concept was dropped. In 1964, the Garden's name was officially changed to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. The rhododendrons and plants in the Garden have all been donated by volunteers, interested individuals, or purchased with specially donated funds. The care of the plants and general Garden maintenance is provided by a devoted group of volunteers from the Portland Chapter and the Master Gardener program who work every Wednesday from February to November.