Assistants are trained on an individual basis. There is always a need for volunteer librarians willing to work weekends. Garden Foreman Assistant gardeners help maintain the living collections. They assist staff with the daily maintenance of scientific and horticultural display plants within the landscape division of the Arboretum for the purposes of aesthetic enhancement as well as the overall health and vigor of the plant. Duties include weeding, watering, transplanting, and pruning.
Volunteers have the option to choose a garden site that appeals to their gardening interests.
Horticulture assistants should have a sincere interest in horticulture, enjoy work out of doors, take pride in a job well done, and an ability to perform light physical labor. Gardening season extends from April to October. Plant Recorder Volunteers assist the Plant Recorder with plant locating and data collection. This information is used to maintain an accurate record of plants grown in our collections and to produce a mapping system for the Arboretum. Volunteers must be in excellent physical condition as they hike to distant areas of the Arboretum, enjoy working out of doors, be conscientious and accurate in all work, and have flexible hours.