education programs

  • Garden Docent

    Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens staffGarden Docent
    Docents are an engaging and dedicated group of volunteers who interpret our beautiful Gardens 24-acre site and help visitors connect with plants. You can see them guiding tours, roving our grounds, facilitating garden-specific content and sharing the history of the Gardens, artistic, horticultural and architectural information. Are a lifelong learner? Are you passionate about art and nature? Then the Docent Program might be the perfect fit for you! Contact our Volunteer Services Department at vol@botanicgardens.org 

    Interested in booking a private tour for your group with one of our docents? Contact tours@botanicgardens.org. 

    Qualifications:
    Excellent interpersonal and communications skills; ability to comfortably engage visitors in their surroundings; stamina to spend up to two hours standing and walking in the gardens.
    Schedule:
    Upon completion of training, Garden Docents are required to commit to a minimum of two programs/shifts per month.

  • School Program Facilitator

    Volunteers will lead small groups of 10-12 students in specific activities, while facilitating the process of discovery.

    Qualifications:
    Enjoy working with children; interest in plants; comfortable multi-tasking; patient.
    Schedule:
    Each program occurs on a specific weekday morning during specific seasons. Volunteers are expected to commit to guiding at least two programs per month during the months that the program is offered.

  • "I have been a volunteer for four years at the Gardens. There is nothing in the world that is better for the soul than working outside in horticulture, especially in the mornings. The peaceful quiet, the sound and songs of the animals, the dew on the plants, and the satisfaction when visitors ask questions or give compliments."

    - Tonny, Volunteer

  • “I enjoy the visitors, both seniors and school children, who make the gardens a vibrant, lively place. Goodwill, happiness and fun abound in the Gardens.”

    - Kristina, Volunteer

  • "I am so glad a friend told me about the Gardens volunteer program. There are so many different program opportunities to choose from. I have learned so much and enjoy the interaction with staff and garden visitors."

    - Julaine, Volunteer