Volunteers planting the Donald B. Lacey Display Garden

Over 70 members strong, our volunteer workforces are noteworthy members of our staff team.  We work together to provide the best possible experience for our many visitors through out the year.  We want your involvement to be both positive and rewarding while helping to further the Gardens' mission to educate both students and the general public alike.

Online Application Form

2008 New Volunteer Orientation Dates

Volunteer orientation meetings will be held at the Rutgers Gardens office - 112 Ryders Lane, New Brunswick. Please contact MaryAnne McMillan  mcmillan@aesop.rutgers.edu to reserve a spot. Saturday orientation meetings are available if needed.

• Wednesday, January 16 - 5pm - 6pm
• Saturday, February 23 -11am
• Wednesday, March 19 - 5pm-6pm
• Wednesday, April 9 - 5pm-6pm
• Wednesday, April 30 - 5pm-6pm
• Saturday, May 17 - 11am
• Wednesday, June 11 - 5pm-6pm
• Saturday, June 21 - 11am
• Wednesday, August 20 - 5pm-6pm
• Wednesday, September 17 - 5pm - 6pm
• Wednesday, October 15 - 5pm - 6pm
• Wednesday, November 19 - 5pm-6pm

Becoming a Volunteer-

Volunteers (with a little help) planting their beds in the Display Garden

Each prospective volunteer must complete the following:

• Submit a Volunteer Application to the Volunteer Coordinator
• Attend a general orientation meeting which shall include a summary of the Rutgers Gardens and it's history, a review of policies and procedures, a discussion of volunteer positions and opportunities.
• Receive additional job training relative to those specific assigned volunteer jobs.

Volunteer Opportunities

Installation of the Fiji garden at the New Jersey Flower Show - 2006

• Horticulture - Assist the staff horticulturist with indoor greenhouse activities, which would include the care and propagation of our tropical plant collection. Outdoor garden maintenance will include mulching, pruning, staking, weeding and labeling of plant material.
• Administration- Help with special projects, filing and the telephones.
• Special events – If it is difficult for you to help us on a regular basis, consider volunteering for our special events, such as the Annual Spring Flower Fair, Open House, Ag Field Day, the New Jersey Flower Show or the Gardens Gala.
• Garden Tour Guide or Docent Programs -Conduct tours of the Gardens for special groups.
• Education Classes - Assist the educator in a multiple of tasks including giving out handouts, support with tools, hands-on tasks, and tallying evaluation forms.
• Grant Writing - Sharing your expertise in finding and writing grants.
• Gift Shop- Greet visitors and assist with merchandise display and sales along with cashier duties.
• Membership Ambassador – Sell Friends of the Rutgers Gardens memberships at special events. Assist with the membership campaign.

Volunteer Benefits

Students pruning the Holly Collection

Aside from the obvious benefits of helping the community and the Gardens, active volunteers who work a minimum of 30 hours per year, will learn new skills, make new friends and receive the following benefits:

• Discounts on our classes and plant sales
• Rutgers Gardens t-shirt at cost
• Specialized training, including many hands-on programs
• Volunteer appreciation dinners
• Recognition for volunteer hours
• Special off-site trips to neighboring gardens, wholesale and retail nurseries

Last Modified: 10/10/2007, rugardens@njaes.rutgers.edu.
©2008 Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey