Volunteer

Volunteer Login

Thank you for considering volunteering at California Botanic Garden.
Your valuable time is appreciated!
CalBG's active volunteers are an invaluable resource and play a vital role in the mission of the Garden “to advance knowledge, conservation and appreciation of California native plants.” Volunteers assist in a myriad of ways to inform and educate the public about native plants and help Garden staff maintain the invaluable living and research collections. Benefits of volunteering include the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and receive hands-on experience through association with professionals in research, horticulture, and education.
The staff of CalBG appreciate our volunteers immensely and strive to provide ways for volunteers to invest their skills and expertise in worthwhile work. Volunteers contribute service to CalBG in a wide variety of ways: some contribute time on a regular basis every week, while others volunteer in a less-structured or scheduled manner. New projects and special events arise on an ongoing basis. We endeavor to keep volunteers informed so they can expand their involvement and get to know multiple areas of the Garden. Placements are made based on individual Volunteer interests, schedules, and abilities, as well as the current and most pressing needs.

The CalBG Volunteer Organization, made up of the Garden's active adult volunteers, provides its members with many social and enrichment opportunities. Monthly leadership meetings and quarterly luncheons are held to keep the volunteers apprised of happenings in the Garden. There are many levels of commitment from periodic events to weekly scheduled participation. We invite you to give your time, gain new skills, and make new friends at CalBG! 

BECOMING a member
of the CALBG Volunteer Organization has SEVERAL requirements:

1

Submit a completed volunteer application form with two forms of valid identification (driver’slicense, RealID, social security card, passport). All adult (> 18 years old) volunteers must successfully pass a background check and complete a live scan fingerprinting process.

2

Become a member of CalBG, which permits free access to the Garden even when not volunteering. There are several levels of membership to choose from (visit Membership for more information).

3

Complete the new volunteer training course "CalBG 101".  This is our basic training for new volunteers. It provides an excellent overview of the Garden, its mission and the variety of programs, services, departments and activities. It offers insight into the many ways you can get involved as a volunteer and gives you the chance to meet and connect with Garden staff members and fellow new volunteers.  

4

Log into your Volgistics account, which will be created for you as part of the onboarding. Volunteer opportunities are posted on Volgistics and service hours are recorded to assist in the Garden's pursuit of grants and funding. Volunteers tend to contribute at least 30 hours annually and formal service recognition (including awards and pins at our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner) is based on hours recorded on Volgistics.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER YOU APPLY:
You will receive an email within 2 weeks of submitting your application and background check authorization. If your interests and availability align with our current needs, it may be possible for you to begin volunteering prior to completion of the formal training course. This will be determined on an individual basis where appropriate or necessary.

volunteer application
FORM

Volunteer Position Descriptions

SCHOOL and organized group volunteering

The Garden can on occasion provide opportunities for groups to volunteer to use their skills and talents for special projects.  Organizations are invited to email info@calbg.org to inquire and make arrangements. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old to participate.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, earn community service credits, protect your local environment, increase your knowledge of native plants and help maintain and enhance one of Southern California's great treasures: California Botanic Garden. CalBG is the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants, promoting botany, conservation and horticulture to inspire, inform and educate the public and scientific community about California's native flora.