Volunteer
Please join us! We appreciate your support!
Volunteers are essential to the mission of Reeves-Reed Arboretum and are one of the greatest strengths of our organization. They provide vital support in the gardens and make special events and festivals possible. Our diverse volunteer network includes students, retirees, avid gardeners, teachers, nature lovers, corporate groups, those looking to volunteer for a few hours, and those looking to volunteer on a regular basis.
Enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum and the camaraderie of being a part of a committed community of Arboretum volunteers!
Weekly Sessions
Join our horticulture staff working outdoors in the winter, spring, summer or fall seasons, to maintain and enhance the beauty of our gardens and grounds. Registration is required in case of cancellations. Tasks vary from session to session and may include weeding, mulching, watering, etc.
PLEASE NOTE:
During A Path for All Construction, please utilize on-street parking only. Horticulture Volunteers should meet staff at the Wisner House patio inside the entry gate when arriving for Ground Force or Woodland Restoration Volunteer Sessions.
Wear long pants, sturdy closed-toed shoes and long socks.
Bring insect repellant, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
Bring rain gear if drizzles are predicted since we will still work in light rain.
Weekly Ground Force Sessions
Join our horticulturists to help keep the Arboretum’s grounds and gardens looking beautiful. Work indoors or outdoors, depending on the season and tasks at hand. Thursday and Saturday sessions are 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm. No experience is necessary. Please register at least 24 hours in advance. Scroll down to sign up.
Weekly Woodland Restoration Sessions
Help care for the Arboretum’s woodlands and trails. Tasks may include reestablishing existing trails, planting native trees, identifying and removing invasive species, and assisting with other seasonal tasks. Friday sessions are year-round, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Please register at least 24 hours in advance. Sessions will resume in March 2026.
Thursday Ground Force
Age 14+, Age 12-13 with adult
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
See Available Dates
- December 18
- January 8
- January 15
- January 22
- January 29
- February 5
- February 12
- February 19
- February 26
Friday Woodland Restoration
Age 14+, Age 12-13 with adult
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sessions will resume March 2026. Please join us for Thursday or Saturday Ground Force!
See Available Dates
Saturday Ground Force
Age 14+, Age 12-13 with adult
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
See Available Dates
- December 20
- December 27
- January 3
- January 10
- January 17
- January 24
- January 31
- February 7
- February 14
- February 21
- February 28
We will supply gloves as well as all other tools and materials. Volunteers should meet staff at the Wisner House patio inside the entry gate when arriving for Ground Force or Woodland Restoration Volunteer Sessions. For your safety, all tools and gloves are washed and sanitized. If the session is cancelled due to inclement weather or any other reason, we will contact you.
PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
First-time volunteers must bring a completed Volunteer Waiver form to their first volunteer session. Thank your for volunteering! We look forward to seeing you in the garden.
Register for Volunteer Weekly Sessions
During A Path for All Construction, please utilize on-street parking only. Horticulture Volunteers should meet staff at the Wisner House patio inside the entry gate when arriving for Ground Force or Woodland Restoration Volunteer Sessions.
Thank you!
Maple Sugaring Fest
Volunteer Opportunities
See Dates
- Sunday, March 1: 11:30pm – 12:00pm (Setup Only)
- Sunday, March 1: 11:30pm – 4:30pm
- Sunday, March 1: 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Maple Sugaring Fest – Volunteers Needed!
We’re looking for volunteers to support this outdoor, family festival celebrating the tradition of maple sugaring. Roles include assisting with demonstrations, activities, and refreshments. A fun way to give back and connect with the community! Please fill out the form below.
Maple Sugaring Fest
Help with A Merry Month
Thank you to all the volunteers who registered. See you on December 7!
Join us this December by volunteering at A Merry Month!
Lend a hand with craft stations, photos with Santa, and outdoor activities. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the season, earn service hours, and be part of a vibrant community event.
Volunteer Shifts Available
Saturday, December 6 — Holiday Family Scavenger Hunt
Volunteers will help with fun crafts celebrating four different winter holidays.
- 10:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
- 12:00–2:30 p.m.
Volunteers must be ages 14 and up. Registration is required in advance—sign up today and help make the season bright! Volunteers meet at the Wisner House.
See Dates
- Friday, May 9: 11:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Saturday, May 10: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Sunday, May 11: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Volunteer - A Merry Month
Garden Greeter
Garden Greeter
Register for Plant Sale Volunteer Sessions
Volunteer this November and December at RRA as we prepare for the holiday season! Holiday Prep (Prep) – Perfect for those who may not be artistic or crafty but still want to help out! Assist with setup and cleanup tasks and be part of the festive spirit. Holiday Decorating (Decor) – Ideal for those who love to get creative! Help design and craft unique centerpieces, wreaths, and more.
Educational Opportunities
We are looking for volunteers who have a background in education, or just enjoy nature and working with children!
**FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR VOLUNTEER POSITIONS**
please contact Trish Cassin at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org or call (908) 273-8787 X1616.
Kids Can Cook
Ages 15 to Adult
Dates vary
Help us make delicious creations in the kitchen with our little chefs.
Arboretum Afternoons
Ages 15 to adult
Various Thursday Afternoons
We focus on a different nature topic every week, and everyone has fun!
Little Wonders
Ages 15 to adult
Various Monday Mornings
A child’s first exposure to nature. Toddlers with caregivers enjoy a new program with each class.
Let's Get Growing!
Ages 15 to adult
Dates vary – Weekday afternoons
Learn how food grows from seed to plate in this hands-on, interactive gardening program.
Homeschool Adventures
Adults Preferred
Various Thursday Mornings
Homeschoolers visit the Arboretum to explore the natural world.
Hands to Nature
Adults Only
Various Friday Mornings in Spring and Fall
The whole Arboretum becomes a classroom as volunteers work with small groups of elementary-age students from city schools to make exciting environmental discoveries!
Corporate Volunteers
**FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER FOR VOLUNTEER POSITIONS**
please contact Trish Cassin at t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org or call (908) 273-8787 X1616.
Volunteer Memberships
We value your time, expertise, and dedication!
Volunteers over the age of 18 and completing 12 hours of volunteer service receive an Individual Level Membership.