Come Grow With Us - Volunteer Opportunities!

Volunteering at The Brenton Arboretum offers a unique opportunity to learn about trees, tree care, prairie restoration, horticulture and natural history. Join our volunteers in doing something positive to help preserve the arboretum for future generations. It is fun, easy, and a wonderful experience for the entire family and people of all ages.

Volunteer Opportunities

Join our crew of Brenton Arboretum volunteers by setting up an appointment with our volunteer coordinator to find an opportunity that fits your interests and your schedule.

• Assist Children Programs
• Maintain Walking Trails
• Adopt a Tree Collection
• Care for Perennial Flower Beds
• Native Prairie Restoration
• Greet Visitors
• And More!

Volunteer Prairie Work Days

Three volunteer prairie work days are scheduled each year to provide interested visitors an opportunity to learn more about volunteering. It is a great time to meet our staff, learn more about the arboretum and get a “hands-on” understanding of how volunteers can help.

Building Prairie Diversity Work Day
Early Spring

The reconstructed prairie at The Brenton Arboretum was originally planted with 32 species of wildflowers and grasses that are native to our area. These prairie plants are often used in conservation projects in Iowa. We want to add to this list and increase our plant diversity by planting more species of native grasses and flowers.

Volunteers will plant small plant plugs and will add small amounts of seed into our existing prairie. Bring a small digging tool to plant plugs or a sturdy garden rake and hoe for spot seed planting.

Prairie Maintenance Work Day
Late Spring

Late spring is the best time to walk through the somewhat open prairie ground to remove the woody shrubs and dig out undesirable weeds. This allows the native species to thrive with less competition and leaves the prairie in great condition.

Bring your favorite weed removing tool; spade, pruning shears or loppers. Several volunteers work on prairie maintenance throughout the summer, so plan on returning if this work appeals to your weed killing impulses.

Prairie Seed Collection Work Day
Autumn

We are going to gather the seeds of our native prairie. Prairie grass seed from plants such as big bluestem, little bluestem, and Indian grass, as well as from a number of wildflowers will be collected for planting in other areas of The Brenton Arboretum.  We ask that volunteers bring a clean, empty gallon milk jug or small bucket to collect seed.  Join us in the prairie at its peak of color and glory for this educational work day.

Volunteer Opportunities

Children Programs
Assist with the Knee High Naturalist program, designed for early elementary school groups or lead or assist with field trips and special events scheduled through out the year.

Trail Steward
Become master of the walking trails and assist in maintaining the trail, learn to observe the trees for insect and/or disease problems, and provide weed control within the mulch around the tree. (No experience necessary.)

Tree Steward
Take on a tree! Be involved in the planting, mulching, watering and care of selected groupings of trees and/or shrub species. Learn about plant health, insect and disease control, as well as animal damage. Assistance will be needed in updating plant records. (No experience necessary.)

Gardener
Come one, come all! Individuals, families and garden clubs can assist in maintaining the perennial beds and borders and help to establish new ones. These individuals will be responsible for maintaining the perennial plantings and assisting with new plantings. This includes watering, mulching, pruning, dead heading, spring and fall care and monitoring plant health. (Gardening experience helpful, but not necessary.)

Wildflower & Grass Maintenance
Enjoy acres of wildflowers and grasses by helping maintian the plantings through weed control, mowing, and monitoring for pest problems. (No experience necessary.)

Grounds Keeper
Help with general projects around the arboretum such as mowing, planting, watering, mulching, weed and insect control, and basic clean up. (No experience necessary.)

Research Assistant
Assist with the Conifer Research Project, a long-term research effort to provide Iowa with new and stronger species of conifers. Duties include planting, watering, mulching, observation, and record keeping of the conifers/evergreens in the research area. (Horticultural experience necessary. This may include students of Horticulture and Master Gardeners.)

Tour Guide
Share your knowledge and enthusiasm for the Arboretum! Welcome visitors and give guided tours on various topics, such as trees, birds, butterflies, wetlands, prairies and perennials. (Some experience in any or all of the areas helpful although training is provided.)

Other Volunteer Opportunities:

• Newsletter editor
• Librarian
• Membership Coordinator
• Birding Volunteer
• Special Events Coordinator

Contact The Brenton Arboretum for more information on Volunteering!