Volunteering at Norfolk Botanical Garden is not only gardening! Volunteers work in every department, inside and outdoors. Yes, there is lots of mulching and weeding to done year-round, but volunteers also do paperwork, work in maintenance, and even do virtual volunteering from home! Volunteer opportunities below are listed by type, with special events first and ongoing volunteer needs second. If you have questions, or need more information, please call Debra Burrell at (757) 441-5830 extension 327, or e-mail volunteer@nbgs.org . We look forward to working with you!
Everything you do makes a difference.
GETTING DIRTY IN THE GARDEN
GARDENING ASSISTANT
Weekdays, 9 a.m. – Noon or 1 – 3:00 p.m.
Come and garden in 155 acres of beauty. You don't need to have experience, you'll learn as you grow. This is not a one day assignment, but designed for people who want to work and learn for at least a season. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)
We can schedule a special group gardening day when your organization can come to the Garden, work for a few hours, then enjoy the Garden the rest of the day. Contact us for information.
IF YOU LOVE MEETING THE PUBLIC
MILLION BULB WALK
Saturday, November 19 – Wednesday, November 23, 2011
5:00 – 7:00 PM or 6:30 – 8:30 PM
This exciting event gives everyone the chance to get up close and see the lights in the open air. This is a good opportunity for families, students, and groups to volunteer together. Direct traffic, give directions, greet people with a smile. This can be a one-shift assignment, especially for a group or family.
DOMINION GARDEN OF LIGHTS
Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, 2011 – New Years Day, Sunday, January 1, 2012
5:00 – 8:00 PM or 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Whether it’s their first visit or a family tradition, visitors make memories they’ll treasure forever on a two-mile driving tour through close one million twinkling lights. The Garden of Lights is always a fun opportunity for families, students, and groups to volunteer together. Direct traffic, or offer happy people a plant or special gift in exchange for a donation to our children’s programs. You’ll send them into the Garden filled with Holiday Cheer. This can be a one-shift assignment, especially for a group or family.
GATHERING OF GARDENERS
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Shifts:
3:00 - 7:00 PM or
6:30 - 10:00 PM
Calling all party people! This is a very fun and well-attended event. First shift sets up, gets the tables organized, gets the ball rolling with the food and drink and gets to eat at the end of their shift. Second shift comes in at 6:30 PM, gets to eat before they start, then takes over the beverage station, helps with the silent auction, and stays for a quick clean up.
GARDEN AMBASSADORS
Any day of the week, weekends preferred
10 a.m. – Noon or Noon – 2 p.m. or 2 – 4 p.m.
The job for those who enjoy meeting people and don’t want to be behind a desk. Welcome visitors to the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and help them make the most of their visit. This opportunity requires at least a 5 shift commitment. (Minimum age 16, or must be accompanied by parent/guardian.)
LIBRARY ASSISTANT
Saturdays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. or Sundays 1 – 4 p.m. or Mondays 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Attention Book Lovers! Norfolk Botanical Garden is looking for weekend Library Assistants for the Fred Huette Library. Work with the public, learn library skills, and enjoy a fine horticultural library. A great once a month volunteering opportunity; we ask for at least a 5 shift commitment.
WOW! YOU WANT TO WORK WITH KIDS?
POLAR EXPRESS
Sundays – Thursdays
Starting Monday, November 28 – Thursday, December 22, 2011
4:00 – 6:30 PM
The Polar Express makes holiday memories with children that will last a lifetime. Help them create an ornament while sipping hot cocoa and nibbling cookies. Volunteer storytellers read the award-winning book, The Polar Express, followed by a ride through the Garden of Lights on our own version of the “Polar Express.” Some volunteers ride the tram to the North Pole. Some stay inside and help get the warm room ready for the next day. Junior volunteers (14-17 years old) welcome. This can be a one day assignment for a family or group.
WORLD OF WONDERS (WOW) CHILDREN’S GARDEN GUIDE
Any day of the week, Especially Saturdays or Sundays
9 a.m. – 1 p.m., or 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Times are flexible.
Volunteers are an important part of WOW. They greet visitors, do activities with the families, read stories, and make sure everyone has fun. This is a great opportunity for families to volunteer together (youngest family member must be at least 10 years old). Junior volunteers (14 – 17) are welcome, too. Background check and training required. This opportunity requires at least a 5 shift commitment.
BEHIND THE SCENES
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
Weekdays, some weekends possible
Ongoing
Looking for indoor work with no heavy lifting? Want beautiful scenery nearby? This is the volunteer opportunity for you. Work in the marketing, development, education, or other department to help get that all important paperwork done. Junior volunteers (14 – 17) welcome. This opportunity requires at least a 5 shift commitment.
FACILTIES SUPPORT
Seven days a week, weekends preferred
Flexible shifts, usually 2-3 hours during the hours of 9 am – 5 pm
This is for people who enjoy hard work and seeing immediate results. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds. Assist with room set ups and cleaning. Work with the facilities crew and be an important part of making the Garden shine. This can be a one shift assignment.
