Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Duke Gardens.
As of June 2026, we are accepting new volunteer applications for Garden Guides for School & Youth Programs.
Questions about volunteering? Email GardensVolunteer@duke.edu or call us at 919-668-3694.
I would like to volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
Education
Education Volunteer roles:
Garden Guides for School & Youth Programs
Garden Guides are passionate about sharing their love of nature and educating thousands of youth through outdoor programs in the Gardens. You don’t need to be an expert or have a background in gardening, science or teaching! All you need is an interest in nature and outdoor learning, and a willingness to grow and learn with a flexible and friendly attitude.***Training: Garden Guide training will begin in early September 2026, but opportunities to start learning about the Gardens are available by starting as an Ambassador during summer 2026. ***
Location: Garden-wide, outdoors
Days & Times needed: weekdays, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., seasonally from September through November and March through May. ***Training: Garden Guide training will begin in early September 2026, but opportunities to start learning about the Gardens are available by starting as an Ambassador during summer 2026. ***
Qualifications & Skills: Garden Guides must possess an interest in nature and outdoor learning, a willingness to grow and learn with a flexible and friendly attitude, and enjoy spending time with children, especially ages 4 to 13.
- Knowledge of the Gardens or willingness to learn
- Ability to work on a team of volunteers along with Education staff to lead and assist with children's field trip programs, primarily for elementary schools, periodically for middle and high school groups
- Ability to be creative, communicate with children and educate them according to program objectives, aligned with state standards
- Willingness to learn specifics of each program and to be able to implement or assist lead guide in execution is necessary.
- Ability to be outdoors in all weather and have the ability to move throughout the Gardens during a two-hour program
- Participate in Garden Guide trainings that require observing, shadowing and practice to become proficient in program preparation and presentations to students.
- Special Requirement: Background check required upon completion of training.
Sarah P. Duke Gardens Mission Statement, Vision, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Our Mission: We are a botanic garden in the heart of Duke University that inspires transformative learning, promotes wellness and builds community.
Our Vision: We invite a deeper connection to the natural world through horticultural artistry, plant conservation, sustainable practices and innovative programs. We play a vital role in the health and well-being of the Duke and Durham communities and beyond.
Our Core Values
Beauty: Duke Gardens is an artful expression inspired by nature.
Wonder: Duke Gardens invites all to discover the rejuvenating benefits of nature, follow their curiosity, and connect with the natural world around them.
Sustainability: We demonstrate and promote best practices for environmental, fiscal and social responsibility to ensure a healthy future for generations to come.
Community: We embrace the knowledge that people and plants are diverse and interdependent, and we seek ways to understand, share and celebrate the full spectrum of the human experience.
Diversity & Inclusion Statement: Sarah P. Duke Gardens is committed to being a welcoming place for all. As people who work with plants, we know the natural world is interdependent in multilayered ways. Living communities are supported and enriched by having diverse and healthy members, and caring for them is continuous, open-ended work.
As we strive to better embrace and represent the full diversity of our community, we will collaborate with and learn from people who represent a spectrum of human experience. We welcome and encourage new relationships and dialogue as we build a more inclusive future together.
