Volunteer At Powell Gardens

Volunteer Interest & Request Forms

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Powell Gardens and Powell Gardens Colonial Farms! Together, our two locations offer a variety of opportunities to connect with nature, horticulture, agriculture, and our community while supporting our mission to embrace the Midwest spirit of place. From our expansive botanical gardens and natural landscapes to our regenerative agriculture initiatives, group volunteers play an important role in caring for these unique spaces and creating meaningful experiences for our visitors.

Our organization offers a variety of hands-on volunteer opportunities for groups looking to make a meaningful impact. Projects may include gardening and landscape maintenance, planting, weeding, mulching, invasive species removal, supporting regenerative agriculture projects, and other seasonal horticultural activities.

Group service projects provide an opportunity for teams to work together outdoors while helping care for Powell Gardens’ living collections, supporting our agricultural initiatives, and advancing our mission to connect people with the beauty and importance of the natural world.

Volunteering at Powell Gardens and Powell Gardens Colonial Farms

• Timing: Individual opportunities vary. Group volunteer projects typically require a 3-hour commitment and are available primarily during the Spring, Summer, and Fall seasons. Winter opportunities are limited due to weather conditions. Most group projects begin at 9:30 a.m.
• Age Requirements: Participants must be at least 12 years old. Please review the age and waiver requirements above for additional information.
• Project: Individuals and groups may assist our horticulture and agriculture teams with hands-on projects such as planting, weeding, mulching, garden maintenance, removing plants, and other seasonal tasks. Projects vary depending on the time of year and the current needs of Powell Gardens and Powell Gardens Colonial Farms.
• How to Prepare: Please dress appropriately for outdoor work and changing weather conditions. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Depending on the project, Powell Gardens will provide the necessary tools and safety equipment.

Many groups choose to gather for lunch after completing their volunteer project. The Marketplace at Powell Gardens offers boxed lunches during regular business hours on a first-come, first-served basis.

Important Information About Educational Experiences

Volunteer projects are designed as hands-on service experiences and do not include a formal tour or educational program. During your volunteer project, a Powell Gardens horticulture specialist will be available to provide project guidance and answer questions your group may have about the work, plants, gardens, or other related topics.

Group leaders are welcome to incorporate educational learning opportunities into their volunteer experience when they directly relate to the service project. Please keep in mind that Powell Gardens staff will be there primarily to support the volunteer project and answer questions rather than provide a formal educational presentation or guided tour. You can also learn more about group tours and available experiences on our Group Tours webpage.

Waivers and Minimum Age of Participants

Must be at least 12 years old to participate in volunteer opportunities at Powell Gardens and Powell Gardens Colonial Farms. All volunteers are required to complete a volunteer waiver prior to participating in a volunteer assignment. Volunteers under 18 years of age must have a legal parent or guardian review and sign their waiver. Additional age or participation requirements may apply depending on the volunteer opportunity or project.

Completing The Volunteer Form and Selecting Your Preferred Date and Time

Please complete the entire form to share your or your group’s interest in volunteering with Powell Gardens. While we will do our best to accommodate the requested date and time, availability may be limited based on volunteer needs, seasonal projects, and staffing.

We recommend selecting a date that is at least four weeks in advance to allow adequate time for scheduling and confirmation. Requests submitted with less than four weeks’ notice may be considered, but we cannot guarantee availability.

Once your request has been reviewed, a member of the Powell Gardens Volunteer Programs team will follow up to confirm the details of your volunteer experience, including the location, project, date, time, and any additional requirements.