Volunteer
The Arboretum offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can help in the community garden, assist with horticultural work in campus landscapes, or help in campus natural lands. Come out and get your feet wet, your hands dirty, and your knowledge expanded, as you learn more about gardening, landscaping, or natural lands management!
Volunteers can simply show up to our office punctually at the beginning of any of our volunteer shifts. Our website always has the most up-to-date volunteer schedule. Please bring a reusable water bottle, wear closed-toe shoes and a smile.
COMMUNITY GARDEN/ NURSERY
“Creating vegetable beds: Loading compost in the wheelbarrow and moving it to the garden area to unload. Compost is then spread out with a rake. Planting seeds/plants: Planting seeds in the garden beds. Seeds may be planted in small pots, and then planted in the garden. Tree planting: Fruit trees and fruiting vines may be planted in permanent garden areas. Compost is first placed in the bottom of the hole and then plants are planted. Labeling and heavy watering should follow each planting. Mulching of pathways: Laying cardboard out in the pathways first (remove any plastic tape). Then mulch is spread over the cardboard. Mulching Garden beds: Laying leaf/hay mulch on the growing beds. Weeding: Pulling weeds (undesired plants) from the garden beds, pathways and perimeter of the garden. Ask the UCF staff member which plants are weeds. Fertilizing: Spreading collected coffee grounds (removing the filters), mushroom compost, or other compost in the growing beds to provide vital nutrients to plants. Searching for insects: Scouting the garden for pests and using an approved method for control (integrated pest management). Harvest: Vegetables and herbs are harvested when ready at intervals during their growth.
CAMPUS LANDSCAPES
Pruning: Individual removal of plant stems and leaves to create a desirable shape. Propagating: Making cuttings, planting seeds or dividing plants. Fertilizing: Applying fertilizer as directed on the label of the particular fertilizer. Weeding: Identifying undesirable plants by pulling to insure the roots are removed. Planting: Planting material as necessary to create the desired landscape. Incorporating compost material in the soil to give the plants a ideal medium for growing.
CAMPUS NATURAL AREAS
Vegetation Monitoring: Students will assist the Land Management team in data collection documenting vegetation changes in the UCF Natural Lands. Pond and Trail Clean-ups: Students will collect trash and recycling from campus. Invasive Species Removal: Students will be hand pulling invasive vines, and possibly using a machete to “hack” into invasive trees while LNR Land Management staff chemically treats the invasive plants. Planting Projects: Students will physically plant small trees and shrubs in various locations around campus.