Share your interests, learn new skills, and support Cylburn.
Give back to your community while working with others who share your love of nature in a beautiful setting that offers a different opportunity with each changing season! Find out about the process of becoming a volunteer at Cylburn Arboretum below.
How to Volunteer
You must attend a general volunteer orientation before becoming a volunteer at Cylburn Arboretum. Our next general volunteer orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4th, 2026. Registration can be found here. We have three General Volunteer Orientations a year. Orientations are for individual volunteers, not groups. If you’d like to bring a group for volunteering please see additional details below.
No experience is needed but is always welcomed. Hands-on training is offered on all outdoor projects. A second, required, Visitor Services Volunteer orientation is offered two times a year for individuals interested in serving as greeters. Our next VSV Orientation is scheduled for Wednesday February 25th, 2026.
Our program is not designed to fulfill Student Service Learning Hours. Student volunteer projects must be hosted through an organization; scout troop, school, etc.
Gardens and Grounds
With more than 20 different gardens, Cylburn offers the perfect opportunity for experienced or novice gardeners to learn proper care and maintenance. Tasks include weeding, mulching and more. Volunteers should be comfortable bending and kneeling for extended periods of time. Training will be provided.
Gardens and Grounds volunteers meet on Wednesdays.
Trails
3.5 miles of trails wind through the hilly woodlands of Cylburn, where native plants, wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife thrive. Trails Group installs and nurtures native plants, controls invasive species, clears storm damage and much more. Trails volunteers should be comfortable bending and kneeling for extended periods of time and work may be heavy. Training will be provided.
Meets every Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Deer Fence Maintenance
This team maintains and makes repairs to the perimeter deer fence. This project is key to helping us protect our trees, shrubs, and flowers from hungry deer who find access onto Cylburn’s grounds.
Meets several times a month.
Visitor Services Volunteer
As a Visitor Services Volunteer (VSV), you will serve as the welcoming face of Cylburn Arboretum, greeting visitors, answering questions, and helping ensure a positive and engaging experience for guests of all ages and backgrounds. Volunteers are trained to confidently share information about the arboretum, assist visitors in finding resources that enhance their visit, and help keep the Nature Education Center or Vollmer Welcome Center tidy and well stocked. The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently and can commit to a minimum of one shift per month.
Weekday and weekend 2-3 hour shifts are available.
Groups
Group volunteer sessions are limited
Cylburn welcomes volunteer service from corporations, schools, and service organizations. Group projects include, clearing trails, weeding, removing invasive plants, and setting up for special events.
Group volunteers opportunities are held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 12:30pm-4:30pm. If you would like to schedule a group please email volunteer@cylburn.org.
