Become a Volunteer

You are invited to join the Arboretum Volunteer Team! Give your time, gain new skills, and make new friends. We are now accepting volunteer applications.
Benefits of volunteering at the Arboretum include the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and receive hands-on experience through association with professionals in research, horticulture and education.
Volunteers are one of the great strengths of our organization, serving as an invaluable resource in making our programs possible. Volunteers provide support by assisting first time visitors with information about the Arboretum, maintaining the gardens, working in the Membership Office, Special Events, Depot Docents and so much more. They share their time, their love for gardening and plants, and their dedication to the community.
Through your volunteer activities, you will meet others who have similar interests and hobbies, and experience the satisfaction of sharing in significant accomplishments. So, join us, and enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum and the rewards and camaraderie of being a part of our team of dedicated volunteers. We look forward to welcoming you to our volunteer program.
                 We have three categories of volunteers, see which one is right for you.

LOS VOLUNTARIOS
Los Voluntarios (Los Vols), the adult volunteer support organization for the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, is a self-organized group of almost 300 women and men who annually contribute over 30,000 hours of service to this flagship public garden, administered by the County Department of Parks & Recreation.

Membership is open to adults and requires a minimum of 50 hours of service annually. Participation in the volunteer orientation program is required. Volunteer activities include interesting and informative meetings, presentations, annual volunteer luncheon and picnic. Members of Los Voluntarios receive a volunteer-focused newsletter and complimentary Family Membership to the Arboretum.
To become a Los Vols, please complete the Los Vols, County Volunteer, and Live Scan forms all found on this Application click here. Please email your completed application to Volunteer Coordinator, Pamela Kermgard at: pamela.kermgard@arboretum.org.

FOUNDATION VOLUNTEERS
A Foundation Volunteer differs from Los Vols in several respects. Although you may be able to commit to a weekly schedule, perhaps there are times your schedule changes or you are unable to volunteer for a period time, the Foundation Volunteer program is more flexible. If you are a short term volunteer i.e. a college student for example, the Foundation Volunteer might be a good fit for you. Foundation Volunteers do not have any hourly commitments, and you do not have to go through Orientation. Foundation Volunteers are not eligible to vote for or run for Los Vols office and do not qualify for the free membership.
To become a Foundation Volunteer, please complete County Volunteer and Live Scans forms on this Application. Please email your completed application to Volunteer Coordinator, Pamela Kermgard at: pamela.kermgard@arboretum.org.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
High school students (minimum age of 14) can participate in the year-round Student Volunteer Program to fulfill community service hours, requirements for school or for personal enjoyment and experience. Student volunteers are needed in a variety of areas on an on-going basis, including the Membership and Visitor Services Office, administrative offices, gardens and for one-time only special events.

To become a Student Volunteer, please complete the Student, County Volunteer and Live Scan forms on this Application. Please email your completed application to Volunteer Coordinator, Pamela Kermgard at: pamela.kermgard@arboretum.org. She will schedule an interview with you so that she can place you in the area you want to volunteer your time.

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
Undergraduate and graduate college students are welcome to apply for unpaid internships. Arboretum staff will work with accredited academic institutions to serve as a site for their intern program. Students can develop a personalized internship by letting us know of their educational and occupational interests, a time-frame for serving as an intern, and specific internship goals. Timing of an internship is flexible and dependent upon your project. Unfortunately, the Arboretum does not offer any paid internships at this time.

GROUP VOLUNTEERS
Organizations (i.e. school groups, Scouts, etc.) are invited to arrange for group volunteer projects. Please note: LA County mandates a minimum age of 14 for all volunteers, no exceptions. To schedule a time for your group to volunteer, please email the Volunteer Coordinator, Pamela Kermgard at: pamela.kermgard@aboretum.org.

Corporate groups seeking volunteer opportunities and an inspiring team-building experience, please contact Judith Hamilton-Márquez, Development Manager, at judith.marquez@arboretum.org.

Be part of the Arboretum Community!