Volunteer at the Gardens
Are you looking for an opportunity to volunteer? Then look at the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation for an activity that suits your interests.
Visitors frequently write great reviews and are typically happy to find such a natural oasis that's free. Our volunteers often engage with visitors to help them have a better experience. You may wish to read our Strategic Plan 2025 for a better feel of our purpose and how you may fit in.
Depending upon your interests, physical abilitieis, and time available, we have something for you. The most common volunteer activies include processing memberships, answering phones, supporting the Executive Director's team and working in the Gift Shop. Gift Shop workers greet people, help them find unique items, and handling the transactions. They are our membership ambassadors, often the first people to explain our membership programs.
For those interested in our Holiday Lights in the Gardens fundraising event, there are a broad range of activities, some more physically demanding than others.
Volunteers the night of the event greet people at the entrances, process their donations, and give them directions. Volunteers show up around 5:00 pm for their instructions and assignments. Our gates open at 5:30. We start closing down the 4 entrances around 9:00. Its a great opportunity to meet and work with like minded people. Please consider becoming part of our volunteer team. Follow this link for Holiday Lights Volunteers 2025
Then there are the Workshop Elves. The Elves (we accept regular people for this as well) meet every third Saturday throughout the year. The Workshop is air conditioned and the Elves can sit to do their work in 3 hour shifts. And, no, we don't wear Elf costumes!
Around October, the Installation Elves take over. While our electrical crew does the work hanging lignts in trees, our Installer Elves place display items, decorate the gardens, and set up signage. It does require walking, physical movement, carrying items, and being outdoors.
Volunteers may also choose to assist on public and member only events such as Pumpkin Fest, Earth Day, and Membership Mixers.
While you do not have to be a Member to be a Volunteer, there are a great many benefits to Membership. Learn more about our Membership programs.
If interested in the Gift Shop or other activities, just give Carol Cortright a call at 727-753-7840.