Help make a difference at California's native garden.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden is seeking volunteers to take on roles that include gardening, leading tours and serving as information assistants. We have volunteer opportunities for people with various interests and abilities.

Download a volunteer application (pdf) here. 

For more information, please email or call Tiffany Chandler, Volunteer Program Manger: (909) 625-8767 ext. 256, or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Benefits

There are many benefits that accompany volunteering with RSABG including special lectures and tours for volunteers; field trips to other gardens, arboreta and places of botanical or historical interest; access to the RSABG research library and the volunteer library; discounts on classes and purchases at Grow Native Nursery and California Garden Gift Shop; social luncheons and mixers; meeting people with similar interests and spending time in a beautiful and environmentally conscience botanic garden.

Time commitment

Many volunteers join the RSABG Volunteer Organization and make a commitment to contribute time on a regular basis; other volunteers contribute their time and energy in a less structured or scheduled manner. We welcome you to join the Garden’s volunteer efforts regardless of how much time you have to offer.

Requirements

• All volunteers are required to become members of the Garden, which permits free access to the Garden even when not volunteering. The membership requirement is waived for volunteers activeily enrolled in school.
• Completion of volunteer orientation course, "RSABG 101." This is RSABG's basic training for all new volunteers. It provides an overview of the Garden, its history and mission, as well as programs, services, departments and activities. The orientation provides an insight into the many ways volunteers can get involved and provides new volunteers a chance to meet and connect with Garden staff members and other volunteers. Enrollment in the volunteer orientation course requires an interview with the volunteer manager.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer placement is arranged based on your interests, skills and schedule, as well as the current needs of the Garden. There are a number of opportunities in the areas of education, horticulture, visitor services, administration, research development and more. Here are a couple areas to consider:

• Nature interpreters (docents) to lead tours for school children and, sometimes adult groups.
• Discovery cart volunteers to staff weekend educational stations, informally educating visitors about various wonders of the Garden and nature.
• Horticulture assistants help maintain the Garden’s living collection through weeding, raking, watering, pruning, etc.
• Garden Gift Shop associates to provide a friendly presence in the Garden’s store, answer questions and help with merchandise sales.

There are many other opportunities for service as well, including fundraising, database maintenance, creating floral arrangements with native plants, working in the research library and staffing special events. Tell us what your interests and special skills are.