Volunteer with the Arboretum and Public Garden!

• Do you enjoy being outside?
• Would you like to learn new skills?
• Are you looking for a way to give back to the community?
• Do you want early access to plant sales and other seasonal events?

Consider volunteering with the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden! It’s a rewarding place to spend your time with lots of team camaraderie and learning. Learn more.

In 2023, we are seeking new volunteers to join our gardening volunteer teams. Trainings will be offered in winter and include a combination of expert instruction and hands-on projects. There will be a $20 materials fee due at your team’s first scheduled training date.

Space is limited. Applications are due by January 16, 2023.

If you have questions, please contact Roxanne Loe at (530) 752-4880 or rgloe@ucdavis.edu.

Time Commitment

One year (and hopefully longer ? ). Volunteers that go through specialized training for these positions are asked to commit to at least one year of time with our program. Afterwards, teams meet weekly, one weekday a morning, for 3 hours. Of course we are flexible (you can take vacations)! You don't have to sign anything formal, we just ask you to consider this goal before applying. 

• STUDENTS! Click on this first!

• Typically, students are not able to take part on our volunteer teams as they meet from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m one day a week throughout the year.  We also ask for a minimum one-year commitment and student schedules are usually not amenable to this length of obligation. The good news is that we have opportunities for students, with student schedules and interests in mind. Check out our Learning by Leading program instead!

Training Classes

Through the course of training, new volunteers will learn about safety, tool care, plant ID nomenclature, pruning, weed ID and management, planting, and general garden maintenance.

Training will take place in person on Thursdays from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. beginning January 26 through March 2, location to be determined.

Which volunteer team is recruiting?

Gardening Volunteers

Gardening Volunteers work in weekly teams on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday mornings to help maintain and beautify Arboretum and Public Garden landscapes. Each team focuses on a different area; volunteers work in collaboration with horticultural staff. Training topics will include herbaceous perennial and ornamental grass maintenance, weed management, planting, pruning, tool care, plant id and nomenclature, and landscape safety in a public garden.

Apply Now!