Volunteer at Fernwood
Fernwood Volunteer Application
When you support Fernwood as a volunteer, YOU make a real impact that extends beyond Fernwood’s gates and into our community. We welcome garden lovers of all ages and experiences to share your connection with nature. For questions or inquiries, please contact Fernwood at volunteers@fernwoodbotanical.org. If you are interested in joining our volunteer team, please fill out the application form below.
Ongoing Opportunities
SIMS EDUCATION CENTER
The Sims Education Center is our newest building, with plenty to explore. Education Center volunteers can discuss the incredible features of this structure, such as the live roof and beehives, with our guests. Between connecting with the community, volunteers can upkeep the library and inevitably will learn more about the flowers and fauna at Fernwood.
Volunteers are needed for this role from 10 am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 -5 pm Tuesday - Sunday. Sign up and start expanding your knowledge of Fernwood and the unique benefits our grounds and buildings have to offer.
GREAT FOR: Librarians, Teachers, Customer Service Professionals, College Students, Retired Professionals
FIELD TRIP GUIDE
Our educators need assistance with games, stewardship, and monitoring hikes throughout field trip season. Volunteers will be provided with all resources and information ahead of time to make the most of the students’ experience.
Gain experience guiding students of all ages through educational tours of our garden, and apply to volunteer today!
GREAT FOR: Future teachers, Daycare workers, College Students, Leaders, Retired Professionals
VISITOR SERVICES
Welcome members and orient visitors to Fernwood’s beautiful gardens and galleries. Answer questions and offer excellent customer service to everyone visiting Fernwood. Training is provided. This position is the face of Fernwood, and various shifts are available. Standard shifts are 10 am - 1:30 pm and 1:30 - 5:00 pm; however, evening availability can apply during special events.
GREAT FOR: Customer Service Professionals, Receptionists, Cashiers, Servers and Bartenders, High School Students, and College Students.
GARDEN DOCENT
Enjoy the beautiful gardens of Fernwood by conducting group walking tours. Learn Fernwood's history and vital details of Fernwood to share with groups wanting an in-depth experience of our garden. Fernwood provides training and reference materials for you to feel confident guiding groups of all sizes.
Tours typically last an hour. If you are interested in this role, please complete the volunteer application. As tours are scheduled, we will reach out to our eager volunteers.
GREAT FOR: Educators, Tour Guides, Actors or other Performers, and Public Speakers
MARKETING SUPPORT
Help create content for social media platforms, aid in press releases, update calendars, and more. This can include working on special events and may have the option for at-home work after training. The schedule may vary depending on business needs. Fill out the volunteer application to be considered for this resume-boosting role!
GREAT FOR: Marketing Students, Retired Professionals, Technology Professionals, Web Designers, Graphic Designers
DEVELOPMENT: GRANT WRITING & RESEARCH
Do you enjoy research and writing for grant applications? Fernwood is funded primarily by memberships, fundraising, donations, and admissions. We ask that you have grant writing experience to fulfill this role. Shift availability as needed.
GREAT FOR: Retired Non-Profit Professionals, Writers, Non-Profit College Students, Proofreaders
IT/AV TROUBLESHOOTING & MAINTENANCE
It takes a village to do operations at Fernwood, including various skill sets to keep the gardens running. This IT support position allows you to contribute and volunteer to your favorite botanical garden, even if you don't have a green thumb.
We are looking for individuals that can help with IT troubleshooting. This volunteer opportunity wouldn't be a traditional schedule of blocked time, but rather monitoring an email for any IT requests and helping to respond and assist with them when you have the time.
Work can be done from home.
GOOD FOR: Retired IT professionals, Computer Programmers, Technicians, Support Specialists, and IT college students.
ADMINISTRATIVE
Assist Fernwood staff with mailings, filing, data entry, and general office duties.
GREAT FOR: Retired Professionals, Office Workers, Business Majors, Accountants, Lawyers, and more.
SPECIAL EVENTS SUPPORT
Help set up and/or assist at various events such as Plant Sale, Halloween Happening, Garden Party, LIGHTS, and more.
GREAT FOR: Volunteers with evening availability, Students, Retired Professionals, Work Groups, Clubs, Wedding Planners
HERB SOCIETY - MICHIANA UNIT
Members maintain and preserve the herb and sensory garden. Workdays are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month, while regular club meetings are held on the third Wednesday.
GREAT FOR: Individuals looking to join a club or group with a long-term mindset. Gardeners, Retired Professionals.
VOLUNTEER EDUCATORS CORPS
Interested in teaching children about nature? Our Volunteer Educators are essential to the success of our Environmental Studies Program for area schools and our summer camps. Training on the grounds, natural history, and teaching skills is provided. While previous teaching experience (formal or informal) is ideal, if you love nature and enjoy working with children, we can put you to use. Duration of two to six hours, primarily on weekdays.
GREAT FOR: Current or Retired Teachers, Students interested in Education, Sunday School Teachers, Teacher’s Aids, Daycare Workers, and more.
Seasonal Opportunities
RAILWAY GARDEN
Join our Railway Crew and keep the trains on track to delight visitors of all ages!
Volunteers must monitor the Railways from 10 am-1:30 pm and 1:30 pm-5 pm Tuesday – Sunday from May 1 – October 31. You can continue to volunteer through Winter and Fall, learning about the mechanics and maintenance of the trains as well.
Find your new hobby, start investing in your current love of trains, and sign up to run the Railway today!
GREAT FOR: Mechanics, Train Lovers, Artists, Scientists, Retired Professionals, & people who love being outdoors.
TRAIL MONITOR
With numerous trails throughout the Nature Preserve, these volunteers walk the paths, performing light trimming, trash removal, and reporting problems to the Fernwood staff and monitoring team. Each member monitors monthly for a duration that matches their schedule and capabilities, coordinating their efforts with other team members. Monitoring runs from May through September.
GREAT FOR: Hiking and Outdoors Fans, Gardeners, Maintenance Professionals, Introverts, Students, Retired Professionals
BLUEBIRD TRAIL MONITOR
From April to August these volunteers walk the Arboretum checking on our bluebird nest boxes. They record activity, number of eggs and chicks, and fledging. Duration of two hours once a month. Training is provided.
GREAT FOR: Biologists, Students, Retirees, Animal Lovers, Bird Watchers.
GARDENING GROUP
Meet your fellow gardeners on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for gardening at Fernwood! This group begins in May and meets at 9 am in the Chase Classroom. In addition, you are welcome to garden at Fernwood on other days as well, but this should be scheduled with Fernwood staff.
GREAT FOR: Gardeners, Retirees, Hikers, Farmers, Nature Lovers, Students, and more.
INVASIVE SATURDAYS
Have you ever noticed any invasive species in your backyard? These weekly sessions aim to educate the community on identification and removal tactics.
Volunteering on Invasive Saturdays will help you gain the skills and knowledge to address invasive species in your green spaces. Please join us and help make a significant impact at Fernwood every Saturday from 10am - 12pm.
Meet at the Chase Classroom in the Visitor Services Center at 10am. Bring water, sunscreen, gloves, and other essentials with you.
