Volunteering at the Botanical Center
Something truly special happens when you share yourself with others …
Volunteering at the Botanical Center gives the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends, share interests and hobbies with others, work in a beautiful and stimulating environment, and make your community a better place to live.
An added benefit is the satisfaction that comes with helping the Botanical Center fulfill its mission by providing valuable services and programs for school children, gardeners, nature enthusiasts, professional horticulturists, homeowners, and others in the community.
Our volunteers are special people.
They are driven by a deep sense of care and commitment to a cause greater than themselves. Their efforts have a direct impact on advancing the mission and goals of the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center. Both the Botanical Center and the Parks Department greatly value this contribution and strive to provide each volunteer with a fulfilling, productive, and rewarding experience.
Areas available for volunteering include:
- Gardening! The Center offers opportunities to learn with seasoned gardeners to plant, seed, prune and learn the newest in planting methodologies. If already a seasoned gardener, the Center can use that expertise to help maintain the indoor and outdoor displays, create new displays or work in the poly-grow houses year-round.
- Educational Docents! Enjoy sharing your garden knowledge with children or adults? The Botanical Center’s Docent program is the perfect program to share information with the broader public. Field trips, private tours, and docent days are great examples of what Center docents do.
- Goat Ambassador! Yes, that is correct, goat walking! The Center uses three dwarf Nigerian goats to help control invasive plants and poison ivy in the Park. Learn how to walk the goats and become a goat ambassador. Email bcgoatinfo@providenceri.gov with questions about our goats.
- Event Planning! The Botanical Center offers many opportunities to assist with special fundraising events like Fairy Garden Days and other productions. Whether it is graphic design or greeting visitors, special events have a niche for you.
- Office Assistance/Marketing! Data entry, filing and general office help are always needed. Social media and marketing gurus are always needed.
Thank you for your interest!
To get started, fill out our digital Volunteer Application form! Volunteer applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We appreciate your patience as we process your applications.
As a public entity, the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center requires all volunteers to undergo a criminal background check. Once an application is processed, applicants must attend at least one orientation session before scheduling volunteer shifts. Orientation sessions are held throughout the year, and applicants will be notified via email when registration opens.
Please note: due to a high volume of submissions, the Botanical Center might be unable to accommodate all applicants.
Does your company or organization want to volunteer? Send a Group Volunteer Application to bcinformation@providenceri.gov.