Featured Volunteer Opportunities

Please contact Robin Ott, volunteer coordinator at 440.602.8003 or at rott@holdenarb.org to sign up or for more information about the opportunities listed below.

Lantern Court Garden Guides

2012 training dates: Saturdays, March 3, April 14, May 12, June 20 and Sept. 29, 9-11am, Lantern Court

Experienced gardeners who enjoy sharing their knowledge with others are invited to become Lantern Court Garden Guides. These volunteers lead one-hour garden and grounds tours of the Lantern Court estate. Volunteer benefits include continuing education and the opportunity to connect with people who share a love of gardening and nature. Teaching experience is not required. Training will be provided by Holden staff horticulturists and veteran guides.

Bluebird Volunteers

Season Kick-off Meeting: Saturday, March 3, 9:30am-noon, Corning Visitor Center 

Hear about last year’s bluebird numbers, predictions for 2012, review policies and get a trail assignment! Current bluebirders watch your e-mail or regular mail for an invite and RSVP form. New volunteers who are interested in becoming a bluebird monitor or helping out the program in other ways, should contact Mike Watson, conservation biologist at 440.946.4400, ext. 132, or mwatson@holdenarb.org.

Lantern Court Hostesses and Private Event Support

Season Kick-off Meeting/Training: Saturday, March 10, 9am-noon, Lantern Court

Private event volunteers lend a hand to staff, answer guest questions and keep an eye on the estate when private events, such as weddings, are held at Lantern Court, This is a fun position for volunteers that are available on nights and weekends who enjoy working with people and are interested in local history. New and returning volunteers interested in helping this year are required to attend the kick-off meeting where staff will review the house history, highlights, volunteer policies and plans for the 2012 season.

Tree Tale Tellers

Weekday morning and afternoons during the months of September, October, March and April

Spring 2012 Kick-off and Training: Thursday, March 22, 9:30-11am

Love books, silly songs and interacting with young children? Join the Tree Tale Teller team! Tree Tale Tellers present tree-themed story times and information about Holden’s Arbor Day Celebration at area libraries during the months of March and April. Story hours last about 30 minutes and are offered in Geauga, Lake and Cuyahoga counties.

Weekday availability and reliable transportation required. New and returning volunteers should plan to atend

Vanishing Acts Discovery Cart

Mornings (10am-1pm) or afternoon (1-4pm) shifts on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays (June-Aug.)

Training: Saturday, March 31, 10-11am

Discovery Cart volunteers engage and provide brief, hands-on learning opportunities for guests of all ages at an interactive activity station. This year it will offer items from the engangered trees featured in the Vanishing Acts: Trees Under Threat exhibit to educate people about the gifts these trees give us and why saving them is important. New volunteers, and those that have not volunteered in the past two years, are also required to attend a General Volunteer Orientation session. Age 15 and older welcome, but a parent/guardian must attend training with student, after which student may work alone as desired!

Trail Monitors

Trail monitors assist the Holden Police by patrolling the gardens in two-hour shifts on weekends from May through September to help visitors with directions or answer questions they might have about the property. Another group of monitors walks the longer trails twice a month to help with removal of tree branches that have fallen across the trail or report items that will require more extensive work by Holden staff. Get great exercise and volunteer when most convenient for you!  Attendance at a brief training and kick-off meeting is required.

Land Stewards

Training: Saturday, April 14, 9am-noon

Highlights VIP (Volunteer Interpretive Person) Guides

Training: Saturdays, April 21, May 12 and June 2, 9am-4pm

Highlights VIP Guides lead guests on a 1-1.5 hour tram or walking tour providing an overview of Holden’s history and seasonal horticulture highlights. Highlights VIP Guides enjoy talking with people, sharing their knowledge and love of nature, and learning new things. No teaching experience necessary; staff will provide training and opportunity to shadow veteran guides. Driver's license and background check required [no cost to volunteer]. Guides should be in good physical condition, willing to lead tours rain or shine and able to put enthusiasm into presentation.

Lend a Hand at Spring Events

Contact the volunteer office to sign-up for any of the following events. These are great opportunities for high school students needing service hours!

Pancake Weekend ~ Friday-Sunday, March 16-18

Shifts: 4:30-8:30pm-Friday

8am—1:30pm-Saturday/Sunday
Volunteers needed to check-in guests, serve food, pour coffee or help bus tables, answer phones and more. Meal provided to volunteers who work a full-shift.

Arbor Day Celebration ~ Saturday-Sunday, April 28-29

Shifts: 9:30am-1pm and/or 12:30-4pm each day
Volunteers may assist with family activities, pass out tree seedlings, shuttle guests, help park cars and more.

Plant Sale ~ Friday-Sunday, May 18-20

Shifts: 11:30am-2:30pm and/or 2:15-5:15pm - Friday

9:30am-1pm or 12:45-4:15pm - Saturday/Sunday
Assist vendors/staff, park cars, bring plants from vendors to holding tent, sell raffle tickets, answer phones and more.

Volunteer Gardeners

Weed, water and plant alongside staff horticulturists in your favorite Holden garden! A knowledge of and interest in perennials and gardening experience is helpful, but no experience is necessary. Come get some exercise, learn a few things to take back to your home garden and enjoy working with fellow garden lovers. Work session days and times are as follows: