To sign-up or for more information about any of the following opportunities and trainings, contact the volunteer office at 440.602.8003 or by email at rott@holdenarb.org.

Warren H. Corning Visitor Center Volunteer Receptionist

Friendly volunteers are needed to help at the Corning Visitor Center information desk and assist with greeting and directing guests, membership sales, registering guests for classes and events, restocking materials and answering questions.  Join our team and spend time with fun and like-minded people, stay active and learn new skills! Volunteers must have strong customer service skills, enthusiasm for Holden's mission, basic knowledge of the property and experience working with computers and/or a cash register. On-the-job training provided for this sit-down, indoor position. Primary need is Monday, Thursday and Saturday mornings and afternoons, but other days will be considered. Frequency of shifts based on volunteer availability.

Holden Green Team

If you enjoy sharing how much you love Holden, we need you! Development and guest relations staff are looking for more volunteers to join the Holden Green Team. Green Team members recruit members and distribute marketing materials at event on-site and in the community. They may also assist the guest relations staff by delivering/posting flyers and brochures to community sites. Attendance at one of the one-hour kick-off/training sessions is required, after which volunteers may sign up for events as their schedule allows.

Bluebird Project

Kick-off: March 2, 9:30am-noon

Lantern Court Private Event Support

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

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 2013 season.

Tree Tale Tellers

Volunteer Interpretive Person (VIP)
and School Guiding

School Guide Training: Tuesday, April 16, 9am-3pm
VIP Guide Training: Saturdays, April 20, May 11, June 1 and Sept. 28, 9am-4pm

Last year, Holden school and VIP guides provided thousands of visitors of all ages the opportunity to connect with nature through a tour of Holden’s gardens and natural areas. Join them and learn why guiding provides as much inspiration and enjoyment to the guide as the guest!

VIP Guides share with guests Holden’s history, mission and horticulture highlights through a one-hour tram or one and a half hour walking tour of the gardens and grounds. Training includes attending four training sessions and shadowing of veteran guides. Guides each bring their unique perspectives and experience. No previous guiding experience necessary, but strong communication skills and an interest in talking to and sharing information with others are important. Physical demands vary by tour, but mobility and ability to work outside is required.

School Guides lead children through an activity-based educational exploration of Holden’s plant and wildlife communities. Guides facilitate activities based on planned science curriculum. Teaching experience helpful, but not required. Anyone who enjoys discovering new things with children, is a good communicator and physically capable of being outside and walking for up to two hours are welcome.

Woodland Twilight

Holden’s annual benefit will be held this year on Saturday, July 13. To help ensure its success, creative and hardworking volunteers are needed now to begin soliciting items for the live and silent auction, and in the spring to help on the Decorations committee.

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:

Sign-up for Spring Events Beginning Feb. 1

After Feb. 1, you may sign-up for the events below by calling the Volunteer Office at 440.602.8003. No previous Holden volunteer experience required -- come  try us out! Students are also welcome. This will be a busy year and we’ll need everyone’s help to make it “blooming” success.

Pancake Supper/Breakfasts ~ March 15-17

Arbor Day Celebration ~ April 26-28

Plant Sale ~ May 3-5