Expand your knowledge of native plants, meet interesting people, and spread the word about native plant conservation by becoming a volunteer guide this year.  With BIG BUGS returning in July 2008, you can also add some insect lore to your tours and share the delight of visitors at our stunning Garden setting.

Guides lead our informal guided walks, which are given every day the Garden is open from April 15 to October 31.  These informal walks are held at 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  Guides also lead tours for pre-arranged groups such as garden clubs, senior citizens, horticultural organizations, etc. throughout the season.

Please submit a Guide Information Form to apply.

Weekday Guide Training Dates - 2008

• Wednesday, March 12, 9:30-noon
• Wednesday, March 19, 9:30-noon
• Wednesday, March 26, 9:30-noon
• Wednesday, April 2, 9:30-noon
• Wednesday, April 9, 9:30-noon

Weekend Guide Training Dates - 2008

• Saturday, April 5, 9:30am - 2:30pm
• Saturday, April 19, 9:30am - 2:30pm
• Wednesday, April 9, 6:30pm - 8:30pm
• Wednesday, April 16, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Responsibilities

• Guides sign up for weekday or weekend tours, as fits their schedule.
• They lead groups of no more than 15 people through the Garden (usually adults, but sometime family groups)
• Guides are responsible for arriving on time for scheduled tours, checking in with the Visitor Center Staff, notifying the Tour Manager if unable to come as scheduled.

Qualifications

Successful guides are friendly, enthusiastic, willing to learn on the job, patient, reliable, and good representatives of  New England Wild Flower Society. A good starting point is having an interest in native plants, gardening, or plant conservation.

Commitment

We rely on our guides to lead one tour per week during the busy season of May and early June, and perhaps one or two tours a month until the end of October.

Training

Guides should attend our Guide Training Program offered in the early spring, become familiar with the Guide Training Notebook, and “shadow” experienced guides several times before leading their first tour. Monthly talks and walks are offered as refreshers for guides.

Benefits

Guides enjoy opportunities to learn, to grow as individuals, to share with others who have compatible interests, to enjoy a beautiful setting, and to contribute to the cause of native plant conservation. Monthly volunteer programs are offered ranging from brown-bag slide programs to garden tours