Volunteer for the Fall Native Plant Festival 2024!

We need your help to ensure our second annual Fall Native Plant Festival runs smoothly. Most roles have two shifts: AM (8:30am to 12:30pm) and PM (12pm to 4pm). The exception is Pollinator Pick-Up, which has one (10am to 1pm).

What role appeals most to you?

CAR & CART: Car and cart logistics are always a big part of this event. You can help by loading purchased plants into cars and returning carts to the cart area for other shoppers to use. This is a physically intensive role, so volunteers in this position must be able to lift 45 pounds repeatedly. Training will be provided.

PARKING LOT ATTENDANT: The parking lot attendants will be stationed at the lot directly across from the CGC. Volunteers in this role are responsible for managing the flow of vehicles, guiding guests to available parking spaces, and ensuring guests do not park in areas off limits. Shade, seating, refreshments and training will be provided.

FLOATER: Happy to go wherever you're needed? The Floater position is a catch-all. You may help us run carts from check-out back to the plant area, then encourage people to check out the talks, then help us empty trash cans! If you have a can-do attitude and are willing to be flexible, this is the job for you! Training will be provided.

PLANT SITTERS ATTENDANT: It's like coat check, but for plants! Because we want people to be able to check out other vendors, attend a talk or grab some food, we'll be offering the option to drop purchased plants off at Plant Sitters. This role will require you to maintain our system of organizing plants and keep a log of which plants are whose. If you enjoy systems and organizing, this is the job for you! Training will be provided.

CGC PLANT BOOTH / CHECK-OUT: Along with our outside vendors, the CGC will be selling plants we've been growing ourselves! Since each vendor is handling their own payment, we need help running check-out at our booth. Responsibilities will include checking the prices listed on people's plants, tallying totals and processing payments. (It will by no means be as hectic as our spring Plant Sale check-out because the CGC is only one booth of many!). If you like numbers and math, this is the spot for you. Training will be provided.

GREETER: It's important that everyone who walks onto our grounds during the festival feels welcome and wants to stay! Greeters will be responsible for handing out event guide brochures that include a map of activities and schedule of events. Most importantly greeters will let guests know to check out with each individual booth (like a farmers’ market)! They'll also help give directions as to where and when things are happening and encourage people to utilize our Plant Sitters and head over to educational sessions when it's time. If you're outgoing and willing to help direct people, this is the job for you! Training will be provided.

RAFFLE / INFO TABLE: Since this is a big event for us, we expect to get many questions about the CGC! Volunteers in this role will help answer those questions, run our raffle, direct people how to get around or where the next event will be and more. If you're outgoing and willing to share your love for the CGC, this is the job for you! Training will be provided.

BEER GARDEN: The festival will include a beer garden and refreshment station, so we'll need people to help fill orders, process payments, check IDs and provide excellent customer service. Since we'll be serving alcohol, volunteers in this role must be 21+. Training will be provided.

POLLINATOR PICK-UP (10am-1pm): The CGC has been hard at work growing native plants for our brand-new pollinator kits, which will be sold prior to the festival and picked up during the event between 10am and 1pm. In this position, you'll be in charge of checking the preorder list to ensure people who purchased a kit in advance receive their order. Training will be provided.

What happens after you sign up?

Be on the lookout for a follow-up email and volunteer info sheet with more training information regarding your position.

On the day of the festival (September 7), check in at the steps leading to the Green Learning Station roof 10 minutes prior to the start of your shift. Shelby Beckner, our Community Engagement Coordinator, will be there to check you in and get you settled into your position. All volunteers will have access to our hospitality station.

Thank you for helping us make the Fall Native Plant Festival a success!