Volunteer

Get Involved

“Where flowers bloom,
so does hope.”

The Gardens offer opportunities to get involved with the community, meet new people, & learn more about gardening in our mountain environment. Volunteers support the continued excellence of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens through their hard work & dedication. Below are just a few of the volunteer activities available:

  • Gardening Mon and Thu 9am-12pm May-Oct
  • Ambassador Program
  • Event support

Thank you for your interest in helping the Gardens grow!

Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form or email Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Jeri Powles jeri@bettyfordalpinegardens.org, for more information.

We are Open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Please note that Our garden pathways are NOT maintained in winter.

No admission fee
$20 suggested donation

Volunteer Gardening

Dig in the Dirt with Us
Mondays and Thursdays

Enjoy the magnificent surroundings of the gardens, learn more about growing plants in altitude & make remarkable friends.

We provide tools, gloves and gardening training. Dress comfortably for the weather conditions, wear sunscreen and a hat. Be sure to bring a water bottle.

Monday and/or Thursday mornings between 9:00 a.m. and noon. Volunteers meet at the tool cabin at the top of the Gardens; No sign-up necessary. Come check it out!

Tour Docent

Garden Guide
Summer

Share the beauty of the Gardens with visitors from around the world. No experience necessary – just a great attitude & desire to engage. Training is provided. 

Guides are a vital part in creating a deeper experience for connecting our visitors with the natural world. 

Public tours are Monday, Thursday & Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Guides also lead scheduled private tours. Private tour dates and times vary.

Spend a morning in the garden

Ambassador
Summer

Garden Ambassadors host a table in the Gardens on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am - Noon. Or step away from the table and stroll the pathways while engaging those discovering Betty Ford Alpine Gardens. Share a deeper aspect of the organization while informing visitors about the important work being done in horticulture, education and conservation.

Material and topics of conversation can be provided by our education team.  Simply, your interaction provides the Gardens' guests with a memorable connection and a lifelong appreciation for the alpine environment.

Education Center Host

Information Desk
Year-round

Greet Education Center visitors and orient them to the Gardens. Interact with children and adults in a warm and inviting space with hands on activities. Act as an Exhibit Host, help with office projects or should it be a slower day, catch up on your own reading while making sure each guest feels welcome at the Gardens!

Other opportunities depending on time of the year: Seed cleaning, plant labeling, library cataloging, organizing, preparation of bulk mailings, and member stewardship.

Special Projects

Day of Event and Planning Projects
Summer

Throughout the year, volunteer help is needed for special events.

Some of the annual favorites include the Butterfly Launch, camp field days and Chefs in the Gardens series.

Help needs vary from day-of event support, planning, logistics coordination and educational leadership.

Street Team

Spread the Word
Year-round

Distribute posters and brochures throughout the Valley.  Visit with concierges and information centers. Converse with people at the Vail Farmers Market and other events in an effort to inform the public of the programs and the mission of Betty Ford Alpine Gardens.

Community Service

Useful Public Service Program
year-round

Betty Ford Alpine Gardens participates in the Useful Public Service Program with Eagle County. If you have been referred to the Gardens to complete your court ordered community service hours, please email info@bettyfordalpinegardens.org with your availability, amount of hours and completion date.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

Aid in continuing to expand geographic collections, update the gardens, and education facilities.

TRIBUTE AND MEMORY GIFTS

Benches and tribute projects are available throughout the Gardens. Three naming opportunities currently exist.

SPONSOR A PROJECT

Choose a specific project to sponsor. Summer exhibits, garden supplies, internships, and more.

Gift Memberships

For the nature-lover in your life, the person who cares about conservation or that person that you really want to give a gift that says I care about what you care about. You can purchase a year-long membership that connects them with the nature cause they love.

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Volunteer