The Asheville Botanical Garden is a grassroots community organization started by volunteers in 1960. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, supporting the Gardens and its small paid staff in many ways.
CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
GARDEN VOLUNTEERS – Accepting new Garden Volunteers on Tuesdays from 10 am – noon.
Due to the fragile nature of our plant collection, we require our Garden Volunteers to have past gardening experience and to be prepared for physical labor in various weather conditions.
SELF DIRECTED GARDEN VOLUNTEERS – Accepting new Garden Volunteers who will care for a section of the garden independently after an initial training period.
Seeking garden volunteers to commit to caring for an area of the garden independently or with a friend. Experience with gardening techniques and a knowledge of native plants is required. An initial training period will be provided to learn about your selected garden area, then you will work at your own pace on your own schedule to keep it well maintained.
VISITOR CENTER HOST – Accepting new Visitor Center Hosts! Many of our volunteers work in our Visitor Center greeting visitors, making gift shop sales, and serving as our ambassadors to the Garden. Visitor Center Hosts work for three hour shifts either from 10 am to 1 pm or 1 pm to 4 pm. As a volunteer Host you may choose to work a regular weekly or bi-monthly shift or to fill in as your schedule permits.
We provide one-on-one training. Previous retail experience is not required. We always have a special need for volunteers willing to work weekend shifts.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEE POSITIONS As a non-profit organization, the Garden is directed by a Board. This is a working board made up of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to the Garden. Board members are selected for the skills & knowledge they bring to the organization. Our Board members also have a passion for the environment, our community and native plants. If you are interested in joining our board, please let us get to know you by volunteering with us or joining a committee. Standing committees are: Facilities, Horticulture, Education, Nominating, Executive and Finance. New Board members are voted on by our membership in January of each year.
How To Apply For consideration for any of our volunteer, committee or board opportunities, please fill out the online Volunteer Application Formindicating what you are interested in and we will follow up.
WE VALUE OUR VOLUNTEERS! Volunteer benefits include:
15% discount in the Visitor Center (more on special occasions)
25% discount on educational programs
A subscription to our quarterly newsletter
Opportunity to learn about native plants and wildlife
Invites to volunteer appreciation events
Insider emails on garden happenings
The company of civic-minded, earth-friendly native plant lovers
The opportunity to meet visitors from around the globe while contributing to your local community.
