You are invited to come and explore all of the exciting opportunities to volunteer at the UT Gardens in Knoxville! We have two session each week during most of the year (each Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9-12). We have no sessions in August, and take a hiatus during the winter months (exact timing depends on weather). If you cannot attend one of our weekly sessions, opportunities still exist for interested individuals to volunteer in key areas of the UT Gardens.
Volunteers are an essential part of the UT Gardens and are involved in a variety of activities, such as assisting the garden staff in the greenhouses and gardens, serving as tour guides and docents, working with special events and programs, and assisting in plant records and labeling.
Benefits to Volunteering at the UT Gardens
- Become a part of growing a horticultural resource
- Opportunities to meet new people and make new friends
- Experience and learn new things
- Receive practical hands-on experience
- Share interests and hobbies with others
- Help disseminate horticultural information to others
- Work in a beautiful and stimulating environment
- Make your community a better place in which to live
How to Become a Volunteer
To volunteer in the UT Gardens, come to a regular volunteer session either on Tuesday or Thursday from 9am-12pm . Please contact Karen Caspary, the Volunteer Coordinator, beforehand to let her know you are coming. At the volunteer session, you will be asked to fill out an application form. The information on this form helps us to determine your interests, experience, availability, and goals you may want to achieve while volunteering in the UT Gardens. A variety of volunteer opportunities will be discussed with you to ensure a best fit of your interests and experience with the garden’s needs. We will not turn down a volunteer due to lack of experience.
In-depth training will be provided while “on the job” with continuing education opportunities offered especially to help you further develop your skills and talents throughout the season.