Needs From: Central Iowa RSVP

We welcome school, scout, homeschool, camp and youth groups year ’round. Volunteers can be assitants, tour guides, or trained program educators. Families enjoy impromtu educational opportunties as well. Do you have an idea for engaging families in nature? If the answer is yes, then we want to hear from you!

Assist with general facility upkeep, minor repairs, and improvement projects to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Responsibilities may include painting, basic carpentry, light landscaping, and equipment maintenance. Flexible schedule; basic maintenance skills preferred.

Help steward outdoor natural resource spaces including native woodland and prairie. Volunteers help with the management of woodlands and prairie across 131 acres. Activities include removing invasive species, moving fallen branches, assisting with prescribed burning, keeping hiking trails clear, and other outdoor activities.

Help maintain an outdoor garden space of important research value. Volunteers help with the management of permanent plantings and plots involved with the Trial Program. Activities include weeding, planting, potting, mulching, cut-backs, or other gardening activities.

Help steward outdoor garden spaces and exhibits. Volunteers help with the management of permanent plantings and annual displays across 40 acres of botanical garden. Activities include weeding, planting, potting, mulching, cut-backs, or other gardening activities.

The main duties of the gift shop volunteer are to greet guests, answer questions, and process sales.  The hours are Saturday from 10-4 and Sunday from 10-4.  The gift shop volunteer works alone and has a key to open and close the building.  A computer system is used to process sales.  A basic knowledge of the Iowa Arboretum is necessary to answer questions.