Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are essential to the Arboretum’s educational mission of fostering knowledge and appreciation of life science and the natural world. Please consider participating as an Arboretum volunteer—enjoy the rewards of connecting people with the world of plants.

School Program Guides

Make a difference as a school program guide. Lead small groups of children from Boston area schools through hands on, active learning programs. To learn more about this opportunity, submit a volunteer application, or contact Nancy Sableski, manager of children’s education, at 617.384.5239 or by email.

International Guides

The Arboretum grows plants from around the globe, so it is fitting to talk about them in multiple languages. If you are bilingual and love plants or the Arboretum, consider learning to lead tours. Send us an email to learn more.

Arboretum Interpreters

Engage with visitors young and old, help people find their way, share your fascination for plants, and communicate how the Arboretum is a living museum. Interpreters are trained to use a small display in the landscape and to interact with visitors in casual, one-on-one or small group interactions. If you would like to be contacted when the next training is offered, send us an email.

Arboretum Docents

Share your love of plants. Become an arboretum docent and lead landscape tours for groups of adults. Tours include a combination of Arboretum information, current plant highlights, natural history, and botany. Note: no training is planned for 2012; if you would like to be contacted when the next training is offered, send us an email.