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Volunteer
Volunteer at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Founded in 1934, Berkshire Botanical Garden is one of the oldest public display gardens in the Northeast. Located in the heart of Stockbridge, Massachusetts, our 24-acre Garden is dedicated to showcasing the beauty and importance of plants, education, and community. Volunteers are essential to our mission, helping us grow and thrive across the seasons.
Whether you’re looking to dig into the soil, engage with visitors or support our signature events, we offer meaningful volunteer opportunities for every interest and schedule.
Annual Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers can get involved in ongoing roles throughout the growing season, with shifts generally ranging from 1 to 4 hours depending on the position.
| VOLUNTEER JOB | DATE | DESCRIPTION | SHIFT TYPE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docent | FEB-NOV | Help oversee the Leonhardt Gallery within the Center House. As a docent, you’ll interact with visitors during art exhibitions, answer questions, and contribute to an engaging, welcoming experience. | 4 hours |
| Public Tour Guide | JUNE-SEP | Lead the daily 11 AM public tour through the Garden. Responsibilities include answering visitor questions, sharing information about the organization’s history, and keeping participants engaged throughout the experience. | 1 hour |
| Private Tour Guide | MAY-OCT | Provide tailored tours for private groups by appointment. This is a great opportunity for volunteers who enjoy storytelling and education. | 1 hour |
| Children's Tour Guide | APRIL-AUG | Lead school or camp groups through the Garden with age-appropriate information and interactive elements to spark curiosity and joy in younger visitors. | 1 hour |
| Gift Shop Sales Associate | MAY-OCT | Support the Garden’s Visitor Center by welcoming visitors, processing admissions, operating the cash register and assisting with the opening and closing of the shop. | 4 hours |
| Herb Associate | APRIL-OCT | Join the Herbal Association to participate in a range of tasks, such as weeding, planting, watering, and maintaining both the display and production gardens. Herbal Associates also assist in cutting, stripping, and drying herbs for products like jellies, sauces, and herb dressings, which are available for purchase in the Visitor Center. | 4 hours |
| Horticulturist | APRIL-OCT | Work alongside garden staff to maintain the grounds. Tasks include weeding, planting, and pruning. Volunteers in this role gain practical experience and knowledge of plant care and gardening techniques. | 2 hours |
Special Event Volunteer Opportunities
We host a variety of beloved seasonal events throughout the year, and volunteers help bring them to life! These roles are flexible and great for those who prefer to commit to one-time or occasional opportunities.
| EVENT | DATE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|
| EARTH DAY | MAY | Assist with educational activities, family-friendly programming, and community outreach efforts. |
| SPRING FEST | MAY | Support a weekend celebration of spring with activities that may include greeting guests, setting up displays, and more. |
| PLANT SALE | MAY | Help organize and sell plants during one of our most popular fundraising events. |
| MUSIC MONDAYS |
JULY & AUG |
Join us on Monday evenings during summer concerts. Volunteers may help with ticketing, setup, or welcoming guests. |
| GROW SHOW | AUG | Participate in hosting our annual horticultural showcase, helping with display setup and guest services. |
| HARVEST FESTIVAL | OCT | Our largest annual event! Volunteers may sell tickets, assist with festival activities, sell plants, decorate, and more. |
| ROOTED IN PLACE | NOV | Assist during our fall program series focusing on ecological design, sustainability, and community gardening. |
| HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE | DEC | Help transform the Garden into a festive marketplace by decorating, managing craft tables, or supporting local vendors. |
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you’re looking to make a long-term impact or join us for a single event, volunteering at Berkshire Botanical Garden is a chance to give back, meet new people, and be part of something beautiful. Click below to learn more and sign up today.
Thank you for your interest! Please contact the Assistant Manager of Volunteers and Operations, rbegas@berkshirebotanical.org with any questions.
Assistant Manager of Operations and Volunteers
River Begas
BBG Volunteer Association
President
Lauretta Harris
Officers
Chris Ferrero and Theresa Terry
Click here to read the Volunteer Association Rights and Responsibilities
Help Our Garden Grow!
Your donation helps us to educate and inspire visitors of all ages on the art and science of gardening and the preservation of our environment.
All Donations are 100 percent tax deductible.