The following are just a few of the ways you, your service club or co-worker team can help the Gardens this summer:
Education
Individuals who enjoy working with children are needed for the Gardens' expanded children's educational programs including school tours, the Marvin's Gardens summer gardening program, scouting programs and other children's activities held throughout the season. Youth volunteers may also apply to help maintain the gardens in Marvin's Gardens. Specific and ongoing training is provided. Training requirements vary by program.
Committees/Task Forces
Community members can lend their expertise and enthusiasm as committee members for special event planning, volunteer coordination, marketing, finance, education, site maintenance, fundraising, and more. Individuals with a passion and vision for Gardens of the Fox Cities are also needed to help govern the organization as Board members. Please contact the Gardens' executive director to learn more about these opportunities.
Greeter
Volunteers who enjoy talking with visitors and meeting new people can help at the Greeter desk inside the Scheig Learning Center. 3-hour shifts must be filled Monday through Saturday throughout the spring and summer months, and on Sundays during Fox Cities Blooms (April 16-May 19). Duties include welcoming visitors, answering telephones, providing information about the Gardens, assisting with program registrations, ringing up sales from the Gardens' new gift shop cart, and other projects as needed. Advance and ongoing training is provided.
Garden Maintenance
Volunteers are VITAL to the maintenance of the gardens. Our gardens truly couldn't be maintained at a high standard without help from volunteers! People interested in helping outside generally are needed on Tuesday mornings (9 a.m. to noon) and Wednesday afternoons (1 p.m. to 4 p.m.). Groups of volunteers (co-workers, service clubs, etc.) are welcome at other times by appointment. Maintenance tasks include weeding, watering, planting, deadheading, and mulching. Ongoing training is provided.
Special Events
Volunteers who enjoy the excitement of community events, or who may only have limited time to give each year, can volunteer for special events. Hundreds of event volunteers are needed each year in admissions, concessions, parking/traffic control, children's activities, and more. Many of these events are important fundraising events for the Gardens, as well as fun times the public can visit, learn about plants and gardening, and interact with one another. "On the job" training is provided. Volunteers who help at the spring and fall festivals receive free admission.
Facility and Event Setup
Help is needed throughout the week, particularly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, to help set up and take down tables and chairs used for the Gardens' events and rentals. These are short, 1- or 2-hour commitments. Physical labor/lifting is required.
Please call (920) 993-1900 or email the Gardens to receive more information or to let us know how you can help. Thank you!
