Join our Community
of Volunteers

At The Friends of the Conservatory, our community of volunteers bring their super-powers, skills, and energy to all our work. Each year, we invite, train, and mobilize our volunteers on a variety of projects, resulting in over 3,500 donated hours per year.

Our volunteers are essential to the Palm House Gift Shop, on-site tours, and public events, and all our plant sales. Volunteers lead guided tours, assist with the gift shop and its plant care, and provide information to visitors. Many of our volunteers serve on our board-led committees, supporting fundraising, communications, social media, advocacy, historic preservation, education, and more.

We invite all of you to explore how your interests and time can match up with FOC. What do you want to learn? to share? Click “Apply to Volunteer” and let’s connect you with our staff and board to get active. We prioritize a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

FOC staff and volunteers at a plant sale chatting with community members.
Photo credit: Christopher Miller.

Volunteering with FOC

  • Run by a loyal group of FOC volunteers, the gift shop doors are open during Conservatory hours, Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm. You can find our little shop underneath the giant staghorn fern on the north wall of the Palm House.

    Volunteers serve as cashier for Conservatory visitors and shoppers, assist visitors with Resource Center materials and equipment, and occasionally answer plant and gardening questions.

  • Help us make the magic!

    Assist during fundraisers, including our ever-popular plant sales, workshops, and lectures.

    Wide variety of duties including: set up and break down, ticket sales, ID checking, drink pouring (with MAST permit), event planning, outreach, supply and donation procurement, social media, developing handouts, logistical planning, and more!

    No prior experience needed. Commitment based on your interests and availability.

  • Calling Writers and Photographers!

    Photograph workshops and events to help us document and gather content for our website, newsletter, and social media.

    Summarize workshops and lectures so that we can share this invaluable knowledge with everyone who couldn’t be there in person. Write content or conduct research to share our history and happenings with the community.

We are currently accepting applications for Palm House Gift Shop volunteers. Additional opportunities will be posted on the application when they are available.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered at our Fall Plant Sale. We hope to have your support at our plant sales in 2024!