Become a Volunteer

Join our Arboretum Volunteer Team!

Becoming a volunteer is an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge from and direct experience with professionals in research, horticulture, and education. Our dedicated volunteers are an invaluable resource for making all our programs possible. The volunteer team provides:
• Information to visitors.
• Help in maintaining the gardens.
• Support for Membership and other administrative offices.
• Assistance with special events.
• Docent tours of the garden and Santa Anita Depot

We are accepting applications. Apply now. We look forward to welcoming you.

Which of our three Volunteer programs works for you?

LOS VOLUNTARIOS (Los Vols)
This adult volunteer support organization is a self-organized group of almost 300 women and men, who annually contribute over 30,000 hours of service in support of the garden.
• Membership is open to adults.
• Requires participation in an orientation program.
• A minimum of 50 hours of service required annually.
• Activities include informative meetings, interesting presentations, an annual volunteer luncheon and picnic.
• Los Vol members receive a volunteer-focused newsletter.
• A complimentary Family Membership is included.
To join Los Vols, please complete all three forms found in this one application. Make sure you fill out the information for Los Vols, LA County Volunteer and Live Scan. Please email your completed application (include results of your Live Scan) to Volunteer Coordinator, Pamela Kermgard at pamela.kermgard@arboretum.org.

FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER
A Foundation Volunteer differs from Los Vols in these ways:
• No hourly commitment.
• Orientation is not required.
• Flexibility to accommodate your schedule.
• Does not include a free membership.
• Not eligible to vote for or run for Los Vols office.
To become a Foundation Volunteer. Please complete the two forms in this one application. Make sure you fill out the information for LA County Volunteer and Live Scan. After you have completed the entire application, please email your completed application (include results of your Live Scan) 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
• Personal enjoyment and experience.
Student volunteers are needed in a variety of areas on an ongoing basis, including:
• Membership
• Visitor Services
• Administrative office
• Gardens
• One-time only special events
To become a Student Volunteer, complete all three forms in this one application. Make sure you fill out the information for Student Volunteer, LA County Volunteer and Live Scan. Please email your completed application (include results of your Live Scan) to Volunteer Coordinator, Pamela Kermgard at pamela.kermgard@arboretum.org. She will schedule an interview with you so that she can place you where you want to volunteer.

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!