Volunteers are the heartbeat that make nearly every Hoyt Arboretum program possible. They keep trails cleared, lead public tours and nature walks, assist visitors in the Visitor Center and on the trails, contribute to community science initiatives, and expand the herbarium.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the community that keeps the Arboretum thriving, consider the various volunteer opportunities offered through Hoyt Arboretum Friends. In addition to the programs below, volunteers also support administration and database management, outreach, photography, social media, and special events. Our Board of Directors and committees are also volunteer positions.
If you have questions, contact volunteer@hoytarboretum.org or (503) 823-1649 to learn more about the full range of volunteer opportunities or complete the volunteer interest form.
Stewardship
- Tuesday Crew volunteers maintain our trails and trees on Tuesdays all year round.
- Saturday Crew volunteers maintain our trails and trees during the growing season from March through October.
- Groups — corporate, community, educational, or otherwise — are welcome to schedule private volunteer crews.
Visitor Engagement
- Trail Rovers are walking ambassadors, traveling the trails to greet guests and interpret the Arboretum.
- Visitor Center Representatives are often a guest’s first point of contact at the Arboretum. They promote a positive visitor experience by sharing their knowledge of the Arboretum’s trees and trails and providing recommendations for guests.
Education
- Nature Educators support youth and family programs of all kinds.
- Tree Time! volunteers introduce preschoolers and their parents to the wonders of nature through stories and nature walks.
- Tour Guides lead interpretive walks to introduce visitors to Hoyt Arboretum, its tree and plant collections, and our role in global conservation.
Community Science
- Project BudBurst is a nationwide effort to study plant responses to changes in climate, a field known as phenology. These observations are used to study the effect of climate change and other human impacts on plant life.
- The Early Detection of Invasive Pests Community Science Project surveys for the presence of three non-native tree pests to help us protect the Arboretum and surrounding natural areas from their potential damages.
- The Western Redcedar Dieback Project tracks dieback and mortality in Western redcedar around the Pacific Northwest to learn about this iconic tree species’ ability to cope with climate change.
Upcoming Volunteer Events