Become a Docent

Do you have an enthusiasm for nature and the Garden that you'd like to share with others? Are you looking for a fun and exciting learning opportunity? If so, you should become a Docent Tour Guide. Docents are the Garden's representatives and personal links to visitors. They play a crucial role in educating visitors about the importance of plants, nature and the Garden. Primarily, they lead tours of specific collections like the Conservatory and the Forest, working with both adults and children.

If you think you'd like to be a Docent Tour Guide, you should know that:

• Docents should have a strong desire to learn about the plant world and to share that knowledge with others; be comfortable with the outdoors and public speaking; and be punctual and reliable.
• Docents must complete a 6-session training, offered 2 times a year on weekends.
• The training sessions provide a solid foundation in horticulture, botany and interpreting plant science concepts.
• The minimum time commitment is 2 tours per month for 1 year. (Tours are approx. 1 hour.)
• Docents are expected to attend review training sessions as scheduled.

For more information about becoming a Docent, contact the Volunteer Program at 718.817.8765 or via e-mail.

Get the volunteer application today.