Become a Volunteer
How to begin?
To become a volunteer at the Arboretum, prospective volunteers review available volunteer opportunities then fill out an online application form. The information on this form helps us to determine your interests, experience, and availability.
The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden relies on 100+ volunteers year-round to keep this place growing! By volunteering you become part of a community that directly supports the Arboretum’s overall mission to connect people with plants.
No matter what group you work with, you will learn by working side by side with home gardeners, experienced and amateur naturalists, active and retired professionals as well as people who are just beginning to explore the world of plants.
Login for Current Volunteers:
Volunteer opportunities
All volunteer opportunities occur on weekdays only, except for working at Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop.
Gift & Garden Shop: Meet travelers, UCSC families & students, Arboretum members, volunteers & garden-lovers from near and far while helping raise vital funds to support the Arboretum by volunteering at Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop.
Join one of our Weeding & Gardening Groups to help us tend to the gardens while learning about plants & socializing with like-minded volunteers.
Have horticultural, construction or related experience? Or marketing, website or other related skills? Add one of the following groups to your application and let us know how you could help.
Scheduled Meeting Times
- Norrie’s Gift & Garden Shop: Shifts are 3 hours long, Tuesday – Sunday.
- Tuesday Mornings: Natives First Gardeners (CA Entrance Garden), Kiwi Garden Club (New Zealand Garden)
- Thursday Mornings: California Conservation Garden (CCG), Aussie Weeders (Australian Garden)
- Friday Mornings: Aroma Garden & Entryway garden beds
- Succulents & Other Gardens: Meeting times vary
- Pathway Sweepers. Flexible times on weekdays only – 1 hour sessions
- Bulk Removals (weekdays only)
- Special Projects / Other (weekdays only)
- Outreach & Special Events – Annual Gift & Wreath Sale or Hummingbird Month or represent the Arboretum at community events in the area
Please review our volunteer groups Scheduled Meeting Times above then complete a Volunteer Application by clicking on the button below. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our wonderful community of dedicated volunteers!