Volunteer
Volunteering for the Civic Garden Center
We welcome all inquiries for volunteering at the Civic Garden Center and look forward to finding the perfect place for you to share your time with us! When contacting us, please give consideration to your availability and the amount of time you are able to donate.
With the exception of projects in our community or children’s gardens, most of our volunteer hours coincide with the Center’s weekday business hours; 9:00am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
On occasion there is a call for volunteer help during special events which occur during evening hours, though it should be noted that this is more the exception than the rule.
Thank you for your interest, now let's get our hands dirty!
Volunteer Opportunities with the Civic Garden Center
(Please call Jan Simms at 513-221-0981 for details)
Volunteer Afternoon Receptionist Needed
Do you have an afternoon to share once or twice a week? If you enjoy customer service in person and on the phone, you might just be the person we are looking for to help at the Center’s front desk! Seasonal Opportunities…
October
- Assemble the annual Fall Appeal Letter for mailing
November - December
11/7-9
- Christmas tree and lobby decorating
11/20 (tentative)
- Unload Christmas trees
11/21-22
- Decorate wreaths for sale
11-25 to 12/11 (weekends)
- Tree Sale
Additional Volunteer positions at the Civic Garden Center
There are many ways and areas of interest for which you can volunteer.
Over 500 women, men and youth volunteer each year for the Civic Garden Center. Their time donated equals seven full time staff.
We invite you to share your time and talents with us, too.
See details below for summer/fall volunteer opportunities.
Youth Education Program
Working with our youngest gardeners
- Compost Kids field trips for elementary classes K-6
- Summer Sprouts
- Grow to Learn to Grow school program
- Craft classes for kids
Working in the Gardens
- Beautification, building and seasonal cleanup projects
- Herb Garden Team on Tuesday morning
- Dirt Crew on Wednesday morning
- Community Gardens - mulching, garden clean up, building arbors and raised beds; schedule arranged with staff
Events
- Quilt Committee
- Glorious Gardens Tour
- Plant, Herb and Hosta Sale
- Home & Garden Show
- Christmas Tree Sale
- Community Gardens Tour
- Bulb Day & Fall Bulb Sale
- Taste of Community Gardens
- Greens Get Together
- Other special events
Horticulture Helpline
Research and answer homeowner gardening questions
Hoffman Library
Managing the horticulture library collection
Reception Desk
Greeting visitors and directing phone calls
Administrative Assistance
Computer work, bulk mailing, and other in-house tasks
Facilities Maintenance
Minor repairs, painting, tool maintenance and other handy tasks
Before you go out to the garden…
Whether you are doing a little weeding around the house or spending the day volunteering at a neighborhood garden, here are a few essentials sure to improve your comfort and the success of your project….
Bare Minimum - for your own safety, make sure you have these items:
Water Bottle or canteen
Closed-toed shoes
Hat or sunscreen
Gloves
Additional items to remember:
Weather and project appropriate clothing:
Protection provided by long sleeves or pant-legs
Layers for a cool day or changing temperature
A change of shoes and/or shirt
Towel or bandana
Snack or brown bag lunch for fuel
Insect repellent and first aid items