Volunteer at the Conservatory

To become a volunteer:

1. First, fill out the Chicago Park District application (link opens in a new tab). You can return it by email or drop it off at our front desk during open hours. To mail your application, send it to:
   • Garfield Park Conservatory
     Attn: Volunteer Program Coordinator
     300 N Central Park Ave.
     Chicago, IL 60624
2. Once we have your completed application, the Volunteer Program Coordinator will reach out to discuss your interests. We’ll also connect you with Park District staff for their required background check.  There is no cost to you for the background check. When you’ve completed that step, the Volunteer Program Coordinator will review schedule and training requirements for your areas of interest.
3. When your background check is complete, you’ll receive notice from Park District Staff. Cleared volunteers can get involved in projects throughout the Chicago Park District system. At Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens, your onboarding will include the following steps:
   • Depending on the area, complete any mandatory training.
   • Register for Shadow Shifts with the Volunteer Program Coordinator.
   • Review your schedule and availability.

When those steps are done, you can begin scheduling shifts! We are so thankful you chose to get involved at Garfield Park Conservatory & Gardens! Welcome to our volunteer team!

General Horticulture volunteers help Chicago Park District staff to maintain the plant collection, working the display houses, production greenhouses, and outdoor gardens. It is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience, for the novice to advanced gardener. Tasks may include bending, lifting heavy objects or strenuous activity for extended periods.

Schedule and Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per month for an initial commitment of 3 months. Shifts are available every day of the week from 9am-noon, with some seasonal opportunities from 8am-11am.

Plant Propagation volunteers work in the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance’s propagation greenhouse and in the Giving Garden. In the greenhouse, volunteers help grow plants from seeds, cuttings or division, as well as support greenhouse organization and plant care. Propagated plants are sold in the Gift Shop or at special events to help fund GPCA programs and events. Some are donated to local organizations and community gardens. In GPCA’s Giving Garden, volunteers tend food crops which support several community organizations.

Thursday shifts from June – October are focused on harvesting, weighing, cleaning, and packaging produce from the Giving Garden and Demonstration Garden.

Schedule and Commitment: Volunteer shifts are currently Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, 9am-noon.

This volunteer area generally runs a waitlist.

Volunteers work alongside our Nature Education team to present varied programming to children. Activities may include reading, drawing, music, sensory play, and nature observation. Depending on seasonal conditions and time of day, programming may be indoors or outdoors. Programs are designed for a range of ages from babies and toddlers to school-age youth.

Schedule and commitment:  Shifts are scheduled on Fridays 9:30am – 12:30pm, with some additional special event opportunities.

Beekeeping volunteers maintain the Conservatory’s honey producing beehives, assist in harvesting honey, educate the public through weekly demonstrations, and help with bee-focused Special Events.

Our volunteer beekeeping program maintains a waitlist for each season.

Pre-requisite: All new beekeeping volunteers need to attend a Beginning Beekeeping Class hosted by the Conservatory in order to be added to the program waitlist. Sessions are offered in the off-season (October through March).

If you missed the current season or reach out during the off-season, we encourage you to begin the application process and explore other volunteer roles at the Conservatory to get started. As an active volunteer, you will receive updates on all areas, including beekeeping.

Schedule and Commitment: Volunteers commit to a schedule of 2 shifts per month during the season (June-October). Shifts are scheduled on Thursdays and Sundays from 10am-11:30am or 12pm-1:30pm, and are grouped by the 1st/3rd or 2nd/4th weeks of the month. For example, one volunteer works every 1st and 3rd Thursday from 12-1:30 pm, while another commits to 2nd and 4th Sunday from 10-11:30am.

Volunteers support Composting Demonstrations which seasonally highlight various techniques including vermicomposting and outdoor bins. During demonstrations they will practice these techniques as well as educate the public about the importance of composting. Adults of all levels of experience are encouraged to join this volunteer area, especially those with an interest in sustainability.

Pre-requisite: In order to participate in Composting Demonstrations, volunteers must complete two shadow shifts with the Greening Programs Coordinator. Seasonal trainings focused on specific composting techniques will be offered to active volunteers.

Schedule and Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 shift per month, for an initial commitment of 4 months. Shifts are available every Sunday from 12:30 pm-3:30 pm.

Garfield Park Conservatory Guides are trained tour guides that connect the public to our plant collection, architecture, and history.  Guides can lead groups on full length tours throughout each of the display houses, provide mini tours of specific rooms, or serve as a wandering guide in the collection.  This program area is perfect for individuals who enjoy learning and sharing their knowledge of plants and architecture with members of the public.

Pre-requisite: In order to participate in this program, new GPC Guides must complete 9 hours of in-person training, supplemented by additional independent study at home.  Sessions are offered semi-annually.  This program maintains a waitlist between training sessions.

Schedule and Commitment: Guides are notified of upcoming tours as they are scheduled, and have access to regularly scheduled tours and interpretive shifts. We ask GPC guides to commit to a minimum of 6 months of availability for this program area.

Visitor Services volunteers learn Conservatory history, along with general plant information, to promote visitor engagement. Volunteers serve as greeters in the lobby, assist with questions, and interact with visitors around the Conservatory.

Pre-requisite: Complete digital training to gain basic Conservatory knowledge and visitor engagement skills OR complete GPC guide training.

Schedule and Commitment: Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 1 shift per month for an initial commitment of 4 months. Shifts are scheduled in 3 hour increments between 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Please note: this program is currently on hold. Please contact our Volunteer Program Coordinator if you would like to be informed when the program reopens.

Help behind-the-scenes and on the front-line with special events. Meet and greet visitors, help facilitate hands-on activities and education stations, assist with traffic flow, and support set-up and break-down.

Schedule and commitment: Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any opportunities that fit their schedule. This area has no minimum commitment and is a great opportunity for those who can’t commit to a regular schedule. All active volunteers have access to Special Events shifts.

Work Day volunteers help with one-off projects that arise around the Conservatory. Descriptions for particular projects will be listed in the newsletter and/or on the volunteer scheduling site. Some examples of recent Work Days include worm bin maintenance, weeding in outdoor play areas, and bulb planting.

Schedule and Commitment: Volunteers are welcome to sign up for any opportunities that fit their schedule. This area has no minimum commitment and is a great opportunity for those who can’t commit to a regular schedule. All active volunteers have access to Work Day shifts.