VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Oregon Garden is always seeking volunteers! Positions include garden greeters, gift shop helpers, gardeners and office helpers. We currently have the following projects that need volunteers

Plant Information Team (PIT)

This program provides plant information to OG guests throughout the summer starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The PIT booth is open Friday, Saturday & Sunday from 11am – 3pm. You do not need a vast knowledge of the plant world, just the ability to chat with people, use reference materials and answer plant questions. You will work closely with the Horticulture staff. There will be an orientation covering general Oregon Garden information & procedures followed by a tour of The Garden.

Help The Oregon Garden feed the hungry!

Richard Johnson, Horticulturist, is expanding the Silverton Market Garden. This specialty garden within The Oregon Garden showcases fresh produce grown here in the Willamette Valley. Last year we were able to provide 1756 lbs. of food to Silverton and the surrounding area's food banks. His goal for this year is to harvest 3000 lbs. of fresh fruits & vegetables. He would like to deliver the fresh produce twice a week. We need 2 volunteers to work on Thursdays to pick the produce; help to deliver the produce to Silverton or Mt Angel Community Aid on Fridays; and help during the heat of summer with hand-watering the Salad Garden . This is a huge undertaking and any help is greatly appreciated.

To volunteer for these or any other projects, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Liz Hess at 503-874-8266. Don't forget, you may use your volunteer hours to earn membership to the garden.

Volunteer Meeting

You are invited to the next meeting for our volunteers. We normally meet on the fourth Tuesday every other month at 6:30 pm in the J. Frank Schmidt, Jr. Pavillion. Join us for this fun gathering and then sign up for various volunteer projects.

Why Volunteer at The Oregon Garden

The Oregon Garden staff relies on volunteers to impart enthusiasm and knowledge about The Garden, its origins, and its surroundings to its numerous visitors, many of whom come from out of state or overseas. Volunteers help out in many ways. From greeting guests to providing tours, there is something here for you. The rewards are numerous. Being part of a world-class garden that offers insight into the dynamic horticultural world in the Willamette Valley and the Pacific Northwest is a rare and valuable experience.

If you have more questions about being an Oregon Garden Volunteer, call our Volunteer Coordinator at 503-874-8266.

Volunteer Activities: 

• Garden Greeters welcome visitors as they first arrive at The Garden and help orient guests towards their interests and needs. Hosts can help explain the various membership options and benefits.
   
• Children and Adult Education volunteers assist The Garden's Educational staff with school tours, hands-on projects for children and special groups that come to The Garden. While a background in education is not necessary, an enthusiasm to show and share knowledge of The Garden is.
   
• Office Assistants help with a wide variety of clerical tasks, including answering phones, entering data, processing mailings and membership applications. Volunteers should feel comfortable speaking on the telephone. This is an excellent opportunity for on-the-job training.
   
• Garden Gift Shops are for volunteers who enjoy retail activity set among The Garden's gift shop that offers special gifts, apparel, and other garden-related items.
   
• Gardening is for people who enjoy being outdoors and working directly with annual and perennial plant material. Weeding, mulching, deadheading and planting give back instant gratification to volunteers.
   
• Garden Ambassadors assist at various events around the area. Since they will be meeting and greeting the public, they need to be outgoing, enthusiastic and informed about The Garden. From The Portland Yard, Garden and Patio Show in February to the Portland Home and Garden Show in October, there is always an opportunity to promote The Garden.
  

Volunteer Benefits:

As a volunteer of The Oregon Garden, you receive the following benefits:

• A part of an exciting, dynamic world-class Garden
• Opportunities to learn skills through on-the-job training
• A chance to meet people and build friendships through similar interests
• Recognition at the Annual Volunteer Awards Program
• 25% discount at Gift Shop; 50% discount at Cafe; Complimentary coffee and soda
• Name Tag
• Opportunity to earn free memberships using volunteer hours