Reserve tickets in advance before visiting the Conservatory. Masks are required in indoor and outdoor spaces per government mandates.

Volunteering

Volunteers are the heart of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, contributing their time, talents, enthusiasm and energy.

Volunteers may choose weekly, monthly, seasonal or one-time opportunities. Activities in areas throughout the Conservatory include horticulture, education, exhibitions or visitors services. Volunteers must be at least 15 years of age.

In order to protect the health and safety of volunteers and Conservatory guests and staff, new procedures have been implemented. All volunteers will be required to take protocol training. Volunteers will also be required to take their temperatures before their shift, wear a mask on site, and maintain social distance.

Volunteers make the Conservatory flourish. By taking part in these new procedures you will help keep the Conservatory safe and accessible to all. Thank you in advance for your participation.

Group Volunteers

Service organizations, corporate teams, garden clubs, fraternities and sororities…any organized group, up to 30 participants, can provide invaluable assistance during one-day sessions that can be scheduled throughout the year. Find out how your group can work with the Conservatory, email volunteers@fpconservatory.org or call 614.715.8098.

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Individual Volunteers

Current volunteer opportunities are listed below. After completing a volunteer application, background check and orientation, volunteers train alongside Conservatory staff. To learn more, email volunteers@fpconservatory.org or call 614.715.8098.

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Horticulture

Enjoy gardening, or would like to learn more about new plants? Have fun getting dirty while assisting the Horticulture Department! Year-round opportunities include working in the tropical plant collections, botanical gardens, the Scotts Miracle-Gro Community Garden Campus or downtown at the Columbus Commons. Volunteers work in a group setting alongside staff. Having a green thumb is not a prerequisite!

Mallway Group: The Conservatory is seeking volunteers to work in the Cascades and Grand Mallway to help elevate the level of horticulture in those areas.

The group meets on Tuesdays, 9am–12pm.

Education

Share your enthusiasm and knowledge with an audience of all ages and foster a love and appreciation of nature in others. Opportunities include leading elementary school tours and Pre-K classes and assisting with arts and nature-based family programs. Volunteers are currently needed to assist with summer camps June–August. A background in education is not required, just a fun, positive attitude!

Exhibitions

Educate visitors about the colorful, exotic butterflies during the annual Blooms & Butterflies exhibition (March–August). Assist with other art and nature related exhibitions on view at the Conservatory throughout the year.

Interpretive Guides

Are you a “people person”? Share your enthusiasm for the Conservatory and train to be an Interpretive Guide. Volunteers are needed to lead adult group tours and act as interpreters for exhibitions and special engagements. Training consists of a series of classes that include in-depth information on the Conservatory’s history, plant and art collections, and tour logistics. No teaching background necessary, but must have great communication skills and a strong interest in sharing knowledge.