Individual Volunteer Information
Various Locations
We welcome and encourage individuals to volunteer in the Park. many of our individual volunteers enjoy volunteering on our Super Saturdays, at the Pelican Greenhouse, or by adopting an area in the Park. (Click on the appropriate link to the left for information). Individuals are also welcome to arrange their service with Jim Morrison, the Volunteer Manager, to develop their individual volunteer project to address personal interest in the Park or to meet scheduling needs.
School Service Hours
Many of our local schools encourage their students to volunteer in our community. City Park welcomes all High School and College students. Students are encouraged to participate in our Super Saturdays Volunteer Days or to arrange their service with Jim Morrison, the Volunteer Manager.
Community Service Hours sanctioned through the court system
Individuals that desire to fulfill service requirements sanctioned by courts need to arrange service through Jim Morrison, the Volunteer Manager.
Botanical Garden
Individual volunteers are always welcome in the Botanical Garden and may register directly through the contacts listed below. We ask that all groups register through the volunteer office.
Learn a variety of gardening skills through our volunteer programs. Volunteering is an excellent way to build relationships with other garden enthusiasts, to accumulate hours towards gardening certificates and community service projects.
The dedication of our volunteer staff has been a major contributor to the growth and success of the New Orleans Botanical Garden. As part of the Garden team, our volunteer staff members find their experiences to be enjoyable and rewarding.
Gardening- Botanical Garden
Volunteers are welcome Tuesdays and Thursday between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and Saturdays between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Please call in advance for Saturday or if another day is more convenient. Possible tasks include planting, weeding, trimming, pruning, deadheading, taking cuttings for propagation, collecting seeds, removing or installing Christmas lights, and other tasks as needed. For more information, contact Kathy McNamara at 504-483-9464 or kmcnamara@nocp.org. Volunteers are requested to bring a trowel, hand pruners gloves and a hat if available.
Gardening- Amusements, Storyland, Big Lake and Park-Wide
Volunteers are welcome Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tasks include weeding, pruning, deadheading, mulching, watering, planting/transplanting, bed preparation and other tasks as needed. For more information, contact Heather Browne at 504-483-9464 or hbrowne@nocp.org. Volunteers are requested to bring a trowel, hand pruners gloves and a hat if available.
Trial and Demonstration Gardens
This is where we display All American Selection Winners along with some of the newest plants on the market as well as plants that are very reliable in our area. We need volunteers to maintain, propagate and plant these gardens. We also evaluate certain plants for performance in the New Orleans area. Contact Susan Capley, 504-483-9473 or scapley@nocp.org.
Pelican Greenhouse
Volunteer times are Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. There are an array of plants that Pelican Greenhouse propagates such as roses, tropical plants, vegetable, herbs, annuals and perennials. Tasks include propagation of plants through seeds and cuttings for the New Orleans Botanical Garden and City Park garden beds. Other tasks would include transplanting, watering and weeding. For further information, contact April Taylor 504-483-9464 or ataylor@nocp.org.
School Tours
The Botanical Garden's volunteer school tour guides lead tours of children in grades K-8. Tours are offered Tuesday through Friday mornings at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. in Spring and Fall. Volunteers are trained and scheduled for groups and times based on his/her availability. This program offers a wonderful opportunity to work with children from throughout the New Orleans area, sharing your interest in gardening and spurring an interest in others. For more information, contact Susan Capley 504-483-9473 or scapley@nocp.org.
Adult and Children's Education Programs, Lectures and Summer Camp
Help organize education programs that we offer throughout the year. Duties could include calling speakers, writing class descriptions, helping with bulk mail, assisting during the children's programs, assisting with large lectures. Contact Susan Capley, 504-483-9473 or scapley@nocp.org.
Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately (no open-toed sandals!), wear a hat, and apply sunscreen and insect repellent. Volunteers are responsible for providing any beverages they wish to drink and food they wish to consume. Bring plenty of liquids year round, but particularly during the summer months. Individuals are are always needed. Days and times can be flexible.
Super Saturday groups meet in front of Storyland on Victory Ave.
The Volunteer Office is located on Harrison Avenue.
