The Botanical Center also offers a wide range of class workshops during the year. Class schedules are published seasonally. Not only can people observe and learn, but they can also volunteer. The dome has many options for volunteers, ranging from guiding tours to working in the gift shop. The shifts usually range from three to four hours.
Volunteers are vital, as are the people who support the exhibits.
The Botanical Center is funded by the city of Des Moines and Friends of the Botanical Center. The friends offer various levels of memberships, such as individual, family and corporate. Students are admitted for 50 cents with an ID, and are encouraged to visit. After all, it's a tropical garden in the middle of Iowa. It's Iowa's best kept secret.