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Volunteer

The Ithaca Children's Garden always welcomes new volunteers for ongoing and one-time assistance. Opportunities include: education program assistants, community event planning, garden maintenance, as well as participating on committees or the Board of Directors. The ICG welcomes volunteers of all ages as well as families who would like to volunteer together. Whether you are looking for an opportunity for yourself or for your group, club, or organization we would love to work with you! Volunteers receive a full orientation and the opportunity to pursue interests with special projects. No experience necessary!

Questions about volunteering?
ithacachildrensgarden@cornell.edu or (607) 272-2292 ext. 122

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

At the Garden

Interested in helping the Garden grow, literally? Get your hands dirty this growing season. Join us for seed starting in March and construction projects, garden installations, community event assistance, and site maintenance April through November. Appropriate work clothes, sunscreen, and water bottle are recommended. Tools and equipment are provided. Contact our Garden Manager, Meghan Cerveny, for more information (607) 272-2292 ext. 122 or mep245@cornell.edu.

Volunteer Workdays: Tuesdays May 4th - June 29th, 5p-6:30p

2010 Community Build Dates at the Garden (Rain Date = RD)

Sound Garden Build/Installation: Saturday April 24th, 10am-4pm (RD 4/25)
Child-sized Bird House Build: Rescheduled for Saturday May 1, 10a-2pm

Education Program Assistant

We offer a variety of education programs throughout the year. We often work at the Garden (April - October) but we also go into schools and the community to continue to inspire kids to explore nature throughout the year. Contact our Education Director, Leigh MacDonald-Rizzo, for more information (607) 272-2292 X 186 or lam26@cornell.edu.

At a Community Event

Volunteer with us during our Spring Open House, May 2nd. Arrive at the Garden at 12:30 for set up and plan to leave at 3:30
after you help us break down.
If you enjoy working with children and families, join us at a community event. We attend several events throughout the community each year. Contact us and we'll tell you what is upcoming. You can sign up for the whole event or a block of time. Examples of events we typically attend: Ithaca Garden Fair, Go Green Fest, Ithaca Fest, and Kid's Book Fest.

Behind the Scenes

Office Assistance is always appreciated. We are seeking people who can help with any of the following: update program and event fliers, organize and re-size photos, transform our Garden map and site features into digital format, design garden signage, and create a newsletter outline. If you have a special talent (not listed here) and you'd like to volunteer with us, please let us know. We can offer independent projects that you can do from home or we can set up an office schedule and computer so you can work side-by-side with us.

Event Planning Committees
Join the behind the scenes force that makes our Garden events happen. The planning committee meets about twice a month prior to an event and members often help out preparing for the event and on the day of the event. If you have a talent that you would like to bring to an event, feel free to inquire with us!
April: Spring Open House and Arbor Day Celebration
July: Gaia's Hatchday Celebration
October: Pumpkin Jam and Scarecrow Jubilee

Advisory Committees
Make a difference in the community through the Children's Garden's advisory committees. Share your experience as a guest speaker and/or provide insight on education and outreach, development and fundraising, marketing, or garden site development. Committees meet monthly during the "off" season often for one hour at Cooperative Extension, 615 Willow Ave. in Ithaca. We have concluded our Education, Site, and Edible Garden Subcommittee meetings for 2010. If you are interested in joining any of our committees, please let us know!

Committees to join:
Site Committee
Edible Garden Subcommittee
Education Committee
Development/Marketing Committee
Event Planning Committee

Board of Directors: Seeking New Members
Interested in learning more? Contact Tamara Scott, Board President, at ithacachildrensgarden@cornell.edu or 272-2292 ext. 186. Soon, we will post the member description and board application. Please email or call for more immediate information.