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.
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
Work indoors or outdoors with our horticulturists to keep our grounds and gardens looking beautiful. Thursday Ground Force and Saturday Ground Force will take place from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm through the end of October and then from 1:30pm – 3:30pm beginning in November. Scroll down to register. Please register at least 24 hours before each session.
Weekly Woodland Restoration Sessions
Volunteers will reestablish existing trails, plant native trees, identify and remove invasives, as well as other tasks. No experience is necessary. Registration is required. Please email Trish (t.cassin@reeves-reedarboretum.org) to confirm Friday availability and to register. Please register at least 24 hours before each session.
Thursday Ground Force
Age 14+, Age 12-13 with adult
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
See Available Dates
- May 22
- May 29
- June 5
- June 12
- June 19
- June 26
Friday Woodland Restoration
Age 14+, Age 12-13 with adult
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
See Available Dates
- May 23
- May 30
- June 6
- June 13
- June 20
- June 27
Saturday Ground Force
Age 14+, Age 12-13 with adult
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
See Available Dates
- May 24
- May 31
- June 7
- June 14
- June 21
- June 28
We will supply gloves as well as all other tools and materials. For your safety, all tools and gloves are washed and sanitized. Please meet at the barn in our parking lot. 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
Help with Festivals
Celebrate Fall
Save the Date!
Celebrate Fall Festival
October 19, 2025
We’re excited to bring the community together for a day of fun, games, crafts, activities, and more. We’ll soon be looking for volunteers to help with set-up and events throughout the day—stay tuned for details!
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
Garden Greeter
Garden Greeter
Plant Sale Volunteers
Volunteers are needed to help with our annual Plant Sale! Two-hour shifts are available on the following days:
Friday, May 9 – 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
Saturday, May 10 – 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Sunday, May 11 – 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Come join us! Registration is required.
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
Register for Plant Sale Volunteer Sessions
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.
