Horticulture Volunteers

Program Description

Horticulture Volunteers provide invaluable support to the Horticulture Department as they install and maintain the landscapes around the Toledo Zoo. Volunteers will perform a variety of functions, including, but not limited to:

• Planting, watering, and weeding new and existing landscapes
• Mulching
• Cutting back and removing plant material
• Deadheading roses
• Landscape maintenance inside animal exhibits

Requirements

• Must be able to stand for a prolonged amount of time
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
• Willingness to work outdoors
• Able to meet the time commitment requirements outlined below

Time Commitment

• Submit a volunteer application and attend an interview.
• Give approximately 4 – 10 hours of service per month, preferably on a consistent schedule (i.e. every Thursday, every other Wednesday, etc…)
• Schedule volunteer time in advance with the appropriate member of the Horticulture staff
• Inform the appropriate member of the horticulture staff if you are unable to make a scheduled shift or will be absent for an extended period of time.
  
  Note: Volunteers may be contacted by a member of the horticulture staff to cancel a scheduled shift for reasons including, but not limited to, inclement weather or horticulture staff schedule changes.

Training

Horticulture volunteers will be given an orientation regarding general zoo policies, and an overview of the horticultural operations at the Toledo Zoo. Detailed, hands-on training and/or guidance will be provided by a member of the horticulture staff at the beginning of each shift.

Dress Code

Horticulture volunteers may be working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. As a result clothes may become rather dirty. Volunteers are encouraged to dress in clothes that are appropriate for the weather/season that they willing to risk getting stained, and are still within the Zoo’s overall dress code policy. Volunteers should bring a water bottle, sunscreen and any other implements necessary for outdoor work.