Volunteer

Narrows Botanical Gardens thrives through the care and commitment of volunteers. Whether you enjoy hands-on gardening, community support, or behind-the-scenes help, there are many ways to get involved—no green thumb required.

Volunteers planting bulbs in the tree pits along Shore Road

Volunteer Saturdays

Every other Saturday, neighbors and garden supporters gather to help care for the gardens through planting, weeding, mulching, seasonal maintenance, and ongoing restoration projects. Whether you can volunteer once or throughout the season, your time makes a meaningful and visible impact on the gardens and the community.

WHEN: June–August 2026 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (weather permitting)

WHERE: Meet us at the entrance just up from Bay Ridge Ave on Shore Road

No gardening experience is necessary. Volunteers are encouraged to come dressed for outdoor work, including comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection, and be ready to participate in the project of the day. While walk-ins are always welcome, we encourage volunteers to RSVP so we can plan supplies and garden projects in advance.

See schedule

Gardener Greeter Sign Up

Help welcome visitors at the Native & Wildlife Sanctuary and share information about NBG, events, and volunteering. Sign up, and choose the date and time you are available.

Gardener Greeter Sign Up

2026 Volunteer Saturdays schedule

  • box turtle

    Saturday, June 6

    11:00 AM–3:00 PM
    (weather permitting)

    RSVP
  • polinator garden

    Saturday, June 20

    11:00 AM–3:00 PM
    (weather permitting)

    RSVP
  • Narrows Botanical garden entry sign NBG

    Saturday, July 18

    11:00 AM–3:00 PM
    (weather permitting)

    RSVP
  • fern in native plant garden

    Saturday, August 1

    11:00 AM–3:00 PM
    (weather permitting)

    RSVP

Ways to volunteer

  • volunteer with tools smiling

    Volunteer Saturdays

    A bi-monthly, open volunteer program for individuals and families.
    Saturdays, Jun–Aug | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

    Volunteers are welcome to join the project of the day, which may include planting, weeding, mulching, garden cleanup, or seasonal tasks. While walk-ins are always welcome, we encourage participants to RSVP in advance.

  • Garden Greeters Volunteer with bird

    Garden Greeters Volunteers

    A welcoming, visitor-facing role.
    Saturdays, May–Oct | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

    Garden Greeters help welcome visitors, answer basic questions, share information about the gardens, events, and volunteering, and support special programs or busy weekends. This role is ideal for volunteers who enjoy engaging with the public and helping create a positive visitor experience.

  • group of volunteers

    Group & Organizational Volunteering

    Designed for schools, companies, nonprofits, and community groups.

    Groups can schedule a volunteer day focused on hands-on garden work, stewardship projects, or seasonal maintenance. Group volunteering offers a meaningful team experience while directly supporting the care of the gardens. Advance coordination is required to ensure projects align with garden needs and capacity.

  • volunteer planting shrubs

    Skilled & Special Interest Volunteers

    For those with specific expertise or ongoing interests.

    NBG welcomes volunteers with skills in areas such as horticulture, photography, education, communications, events, administration, or maintenance. These roles may involve ongoing commitments or project-based support and help strengthen the organization behind the scenes as well as in the gardens.

  • volunteer holding baby box turtle

    Youth & Student Volunteering

    Opportunities for students seeking service hours.

    Youth volunteers may participate in Volunteer Saturdays or organized group days, depending on age and supervision requirements. These opportunities provide hands-on learning about plants, ecology, and community stewardship.

Support the gardens in your own way

Narrows Botanical Gardens is always looking for community members who would like to share their time, skills, or expertise beyond Volunteer Saturdays. Whether you have experience in gardening, carpentry and repairs, painting, education, event support, photography, social media, community outreach, or simply want to help care for and improve the gardens, we would love to hear from you. Individuals, students, local groups, and professionals of all backgrounds are welcome to get involved in ways both large and small. Please use the contact form to tell us a little about your interests, skills, or availability, and a member of our team will follow up with more information.