CalBG's active volunteers are an invaluable resource and play a vital role in the mission of the Garden “to advance knowledge, conservation and appreciation of California native plants.” Volunteers assist in a myriad of ways to inform and educate the public about native plants and help Garden staff maintain the invaluable living and research collections. Benefits of volunteering include the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and receive hands-on experience through association with professionals in research, horticulture, and education.

The staff of CalBG appreciate our volunteers immensely and strive to provide ways for volunteers to invest their skills and expertise in worthwhile work. Volunteers contribute service to CalBG in a wide variety of ways: some contribute time on a regular basis every week, while others volunteer in a less-structured or scheduled manner. New projects and special events arise on an ongoing basis. We endeavor to keep volunteers informed so they can expand their involvement and get to know multiple areas of the Garden. Placements are made based on individual Volunteer interests, schedules, and abilities, as well as the current and most pressing needs.

The CalBG Volunteer Organization, made up of the Garden's active adult volunteers, provides its members with many social and enrichment opportunities. Monthly leadership meetings and quarterly luncheons are held to keep the volunteers apprised of happenings in the Garden. There are many levels of commitment from periodic events to weekly scheduled participation. We invite you to give your time, gain new skills, and make new friends at CalBG! 

Volunteering is a great way to meet new friends, earn community service credits, protect your local environment, increase your knowledge of native plants and help maintain and enhance one of Southern California's great treasures: California Botanic Garden. CalBG is the largest botanic garden dedicated to California native plants, promoting botany, conservation and horticulture to inspire, inform and educate the public and scientific community about California's native flora.