Join our Vibrant Volunteer Community
Connect with Nature - Support our Work
Whether you have a passion for gardening, education, or conservation, we have a variety of roles to match your interest and skills. Volunteers can engage in activities such as trail maintenance, invasives removal, general landscaping and gardening, educational programs, events and fundraisers, research and conservation projects, and more!
Find the Right Volunteer Opportunity for You!
Each opportunity provides you with the chance to gain valuable experience, learn new skills, connect with other nature lovers, and contribute to the sustainability and enrichment of our our beautiful space! We welcome volunteers for on-going or one-time opportunities or at one of our volunteer events!
Below you'll find our scheduled opportunities. These are specific projects, tasks, events, or other needs we have on set dates and times.
Help maintain the trails and gardens of Viles Arboretum
We have 224-acres of land and 7-miles of trails that are open every day of the year and free to visit. Volunteers play a vital role in helping keep our spaces maintained, looking good, and safe for our visitors.
Ground maintainance opportunities are flexible and ongoing. Signup for the times that work for you doing what you want to do. There is no time or schedule commitment.
Trail Work
Volunteers help to maintain and improve the Arboretum's trails by:
- Clearing brush to widen trails
- Raking gravel to create even walking surfaces
- Removing rocks and roots to improve safety and accessibility
- Installing and maintaining infrastructure like bridging, water bars, and steps
Habitat Restoration
Volunteers help restore and protect habitats around the Arboretum by:
- Removing invasive species
- Caring for our plants
- Cutting back overgrowth
- Maintaining bird boxes
- Participating in citizen science initiatives and research projects
Lawn and Garden Maintenance
Volunteers help keep the courtyards and trails throughout the Arboretum maintained by:
- Mowing lawns and grass paths
- Weed whacking around structures
- Weeding and mulching garden beds
- Restoring overgrown garden areas
Help create a welcoming and engaging space for all Viles Arboretum visitors
In addition to our 224-acres of land and 7-miles of trails, we have a visitor center, gift shop, and year round programming. Visitor Engagement Volunteers support staff with the daily operations of our visitor center and educational programs to better serve our community.
Volunteers are passionate about the Arboretum, comfortable interacting with the public, and enjoy chatting and meeting new people.
Gift Shop Volunteer
We're looking for outgoing and friendly volunteers to work in our gift shop during peak times. No prior experience is needed. We'll provide all the training you'll need and our staff will be onsite to support volunteers.
You'll help with daily operations like:
- Greeting visitors and helping them find their way around our buildings and grounds
- Passing out trail maps.
- Answering questions about the trails and gardens and sharing the history of our organization and grounds.
- Gift shop management, processing sales, taking inventory, stocking items, etc.
- Providing information about memberships and donations.
- Sharing details about facility rentals.
- Administrative tasks, such as mailings, making copies, laminating, etc.
- Keeping the visitor center tidy and clean.
- Event and program prep and clean up
Trail Greeter
Welcome visitors to the Arboretum and help them have a safe, fun, and respectful time on our trails. No prior experience is needed. We'll provide all the training you'll need.
Volunteers are stationed outside near the trail map kiosk and provide visitors with informaton about:
- The trails, gardens, and grounds
- Our policies and rules
- Upcoming programs and events
- Volunteer opportunities
- Membership
- Ways to donate
- The history of the Arboretum and grounds
Program & Tour Guide
We're looking for volunteers to provide guided experiences here at the Arboretum.
Guide our programs
Volunteer to lead one of our programs.
- Public & private tours
- Fieldtrips
- Homeschool groups
- Summer camps
- Corporate outings
No prior experience is required. We invite anyone with enthusiasm for sharing knowledge to sign up. We'll provide all necessary training, scripts, programs, curriculum, and information.
Volunteers should be comfortable giving oral presentions and leading groups through the Arboretum trails.
Guide a program based on your knowledge and passion
We're interested in connecting with people who can help us provide new and engaging experiences. These can be one-time or recurring programs. If you have knowledge to share and are passionate about sharing it, we'd love to hear from you! Email Bethany at
Join us for events that inspire a love for nature!
We host several events each year that provide visitors an opportunity to engage with teh Arboretum and be inspired by nature, art, and the community.
Whether you help with planning and outreach, logistics and setup, or community engagement the day of the event, every volunteer plays a vital in the success of our events.
