Contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@mainegardens.org or call 207 633-4333.
Volunteers for Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens are given the opportunity to utilize their talents while gaining valuable knowledge and experience. By donating their time to the Gardens, they are able to serve the community, gain personal fulfillment and interact with people who share common goals and interests. Simply put, we depend on our committed and hard-working volunteers. The hours and talent volunteers devote to the Gardens are an incalculably valuable resource.
We thank our volunteer corps by:
Volunteer Opportunities for 2008
Volunteer Caterers – 32 volunteers:The Gardens hosts art show receptions and preview parties that require everything from cookies to hors d’oeuvres. You will provide two platters of required foods for two events (Choose the events and your own recipes!). We also need a Volunteer Catering Overseer to schedule platters for six events.
Volunteer Shuttle Drivers – 28 volunteers: You’ll have a set route driving grateful visitors in our courtesy shuttle, a minimum of one two-hour shift every other week from 11-1 or 1-3. We also need a Volunteer Shuttle Driver Overseer to schedule and confirm drivers using the list provided.
Volunteer Flower Arrangers – 12 volunteers: On at least one Thursday, you will bedeck the Visitor Center with 16 hand-picked creations, including 12 tiny arrangements for café tables, using your own or the Gardens’ plants and containers. We also need a Volunteer Flower Arranger Overseer to schedule and confirm arrangers using the list provided.
Gardens Docent Program – 10 volunteers: After comprehensive training in a series of free classes, plus valuable practice sessions, you will be asked to lead at least three guided tours of the Gardens in 2008. Past docents are expected to update their training in 2008.
Gardens Mailings – 10-15 volunteers: You will have lots of fun at mailing “parties” as you fold, stuff and stamp envelopes. We also need a Volunteer Mailing Program Overseer to schedule and confirm mailers using the list provided.
Front Desk Greeters and Receptionists – 45 volunteers: As the public face of the Gardens, your job is critical, and we’ll give you all the training you need. Commitment and reliability are essential. Working a minimum of one shift every other week (preferably the same shift), and in tandem with a staff person, you will 1) greet visitors, 2) talk knowledgably about the Gardens, 3) explain and assist with membership enrollment on paper (not computer), and 4) perhaps process admissions on the computer system. Shifts are 9:00-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m-2:00 p.m., 2:00-4:30 p.m. We also need a Volunteer Front Desk Overseer to confirm with volunteers weekly via phone or e-mail.
Gift Shop – 45 volunteers: Commitment and reliability are essential, and we will train you in all other aspects. Working at least one shift every other week (preferably the same shift), and always with a staff person, you will 1) keep the shop’s inventory safe by keeping an eye on all the items while assisting visitors and “fluffing, dusting and rearranging, 2) wrap and bag purchases, and 3) handle monetary transactions through the computerized system. Shifts are 9-11:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m., 2:00-4:30 p.m. We also need a Volunteer Gift Shop Overseer to confirm volunteers weekly via phone or e-mail using the contact list provided.
Adopt-the-Gardens Program – 25 volunteers: In this re-vamped version of the Adopt-A-Garden/Trail Program), you will work side by side with horticulture staff for a miminum of ten four-hour sessions between May 1 and September 30 (5 months).
Pink Lady’s Slipper Surveyors: On Saturday, June 14, you and another volunteer will search for plants in one section of the lady’s slipper study area using a checklist of plants seen the previous year. As a team you will gather and record data. The person doing the measuring needs to be somewhat flexible, and the recorder needs to have legible handwriting. There is no minimum commitment.
Last-Minute/On-Call Volunteers – Lots!: If you cannot commit to a regular volunteer program or even to a pre-arranged task at one of our special events, join this roster of those the volunteer coordinator can contact with a need she just can’t meet or that crops up at the last minute. There is no commitment, and this is a very helpful way to volunteer.
Literature/Poster Distribution – 5 volunteers: There are always rack cards and posters to be delivered using our list of sites on the peninsula and in neighboring towns. Please respond as often as possible when the need arises. The more volunteers we have, the quicker the task gets done.
Strong Men (and Women) Needed – 20 volunteers: Don’t laugh! There’s dire need for strong folks to help set up and take down materials (not tents) at five events next summer. We ask your help at a minimum of two events.