(515) 795-3216 info@iowaarboretum.org

Volunteer at the Arboretum!

There are a number of different ways you can help be apart of all that is happening at the Iowa Arboretum! Scroll down and check out the different places to service, and fill out an application today! 

Indoor Opportunities

Weekend Gift Shop Volunteer

Join us as a gift shop volunteer! Weekend hours run from April to October, open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. Occasional weekday help is also needed. Comfort with unsupervised work and money handling is required. A 1-hour training session is mandatory. Don’t miss this chance to make a difference!

Event Assistant

We have a wide variety of events throughout the year–from rentals to weddings. These are great opportunities to get involved at the Arboretum and are ideal for students looking for community service hours.

Volunteer for a Special Event

Help maintain our facilities

Be part of a team of volunteers

Contribute to a positive visitor experience

Meet New People

Make a difference in your life and the lives of others

Outdoor Opportunities

Horticulture Volunteer

Enjoy the experience of volunteering at a public horticulture institution to share your talents, learn new skills, and contribute to your community by assisting with garden maintenance and greenhouse operations, predominately in the spring, summer, and fall. This is a good opportunity for Master Gardeners to receive volunteer hours.

Adopt a Garden

Join us in adopting a garden for the whole growing season! Whether you’re a Master Gardener or part of a small group, we need your commitment. Let’s nurture nature together.

Tour Guide

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers who can attend a training session and shadow a tour. If you’re comfortable walking at least a mile and speaking in front of a large group, we’d love to have you on board.

Group & Service Projects

Is your business, organization, club, or troop looking for a place to get outdoors and get involved? Consider the Iowa Arboretum & Garden’s for your service projects! Activities include helping with invasive plant removal, building habitat, trail clearing, and much more. We regularly host groups ranging in size from 10-30 people for about 2 hours long. Our service project season is typically March to November, day of the week is flexible. 

For questions or interest, email our Curator of Collections and Grounds at: david@iowaarboretum.org.

“Iowa arboretum, much like the plants within, is a growing and expanding place of community for families to come and learn more. It is a wonderful place to see the balance between naturalism and formal gardens. The arboretum holds deep history and is only creating more history for future generations to come to enjoy. As an intern, I have learned more every day under the curator, David McKinney, who teaches about native plant species and their ecological benefits. Having just recently graduated majoring in horticulture, I have decided to continue my education for a master’s in forestry. When I learned about the internship during one of my many tours here, I knew that this would be the perfect place to precursor experience that will prepare me for graduate school. I love to see how families come and enjoy the grounds that we work hard for, so they can enjoy the arboretums naturalistic beauty.”

Noah Schultz

Summer Intern 2023 , Iowa Arboretum & Gardens

Volunteers are subject to background checks.