UCSC Arboretum

The Arboretum

at the University of California
Santa Cruz

Volunteer Training and Orientation

Classes meet Tuesdays, January 8 through February 12
9:30 am to noon in the Horticulture Building at the Arboretum

The Arboretum will hold its annual Volunteer training classes beginning on January 8th from 9:30-12:00 noon and will continue every Tuesday morning for 6 weeks.

(See the class schedule below)

New Arboretum Associates members are especially encouraged to attend. The classes provide an introduction to the Arboretum, who we are and what we do. Arboretum staff and volunteers present slide shows and walking tours through the various gardens and collections. It’s a wonderful opportunity see what goes on behind the scenes.

The classes provide participants with an introduction to horticulture, gardening, plant conservation, propagation and basic botany. They are a great way to meet new people, find out about the many volunteer opportunities at the Arboretum and get involved. There are volunteer positions for people who like to be around lots of people and positions where one can work quietly by oneself listening to the birds. Opportunities include gardening and weeding, nursery work, leading tours, staffing the library or gift shop, greeting visitors, and helping at events like Hummingbird Day and our two annual plant sales. More information about volunteering can be found on the Volunteer Opportunities page.

Current volunteers are encouraged to take the classes for the first time or repeat the classes. There are always new things to learn.

These popular classes are open to current and prospective volunteers who will commit to at least three hours per month for the 12 months after the classes. There is no charge for the classes, but those who cannot commit to volunteering should consider a $75 donation to help us cover costs. You may join the classes even if you have missed some of the first ones. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather because there is some walking and we may go out in a light rain/mist. Some may enjoy bringing a camera or camera phone.

On the last day we review all of the volunteer possibilities. Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon is on the final day of the class series, Tuesday February 12th from 12 noon to 2pm. Our continuing volunteers provide a fine potluck feast for our newer volunteers. Staff thanks both groups by providing desserts. For this event, we ask that you RSVP to (831) 427-2998 by February 4th.

For more information about the classes email the volunteer class coordinator.

Volunteer Orientation and Training Class Class Schedule
January 8-February 12, 2013, Tuesdays, 9:30am-noon

January 8, 2013
  • Welcome - Brett Hall, Arboretum Director
  • Introduction to volunteering at the Arboretum and Overview of volunteer classes – Nancy Drinkard, Arboretum Volunteer Coordinator
  • Introduction of volunteer class members
  • Mission and history of the Arboretum – Stephen McCabe, Director of Research and Development
  • Friends of the UCSC Arboretum – Julia Cowell, President
  • Horticulture Library, web site – Mike Clark, Arboretum volunteer
  • Introductory tours of the Garden – Arboretum volunteer tour leaders and staff
January 15, 2013
  • Overview of the Arboretum. Demystifying Botany – Stephen McCabe, Director of Research and Development
  • Volunteer opportunities leading tours – Lynda Haworth
  • Australian Garden – Melinda Kralj, Curator, Australian Collection
January 22, 2013
  • Front Entrance Native California Garden, Ethnobotany of California natives – Rick Flores, Curator, California Collection
  • Volunteer Opportunities at Norrie’s – Marge Gregory
  • Plant propagation and plant introductions – Helen Englesberg, Nursery Manager
January 29, 2013
  • South African Garden – Brett Hall, Arboretum Director
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Meet & Greet Program – Vicki Garside
  • Cacti and succulent Collections. Aroma Garden – Stephen McCabe, Arboretum Director of Development and Research
February 5, 2013
  • New Zealand Garden – Tom Sauceda, Curator, New Zealand collection
  • Volunteer Opportunities with Events Committee – Keith Wandry
  • Butterfly Garden – Clive Bagshaw
  • Arboretum history and stories – Phyllis Norris, long time Arboretum volunteer, plant description writer, propagation volunteer, and past President, Arboretum Associates. (Tentative)
February 12, 2013
  • Volunteer Opportunities Fair – hosted by volunteers. 9:30-10:45
  • Tours of other areas and gardens, 11-12
    (pick one):
    • Eucalyptus GroveCalifornia Province Garden
    • Cutting Garden
    • Garden tour with volunteer Arboretum tour leader
  • 12 Noon Volunteer Appreciation Potluck Luncheon. Current volunteers provide potluck lunch. Staff bring desserts.

More Information: