GUIDE OPPORTUNITIES

Guides (formerly called Docents) are a special group of volunteers who represent the Center and serve the public. They answer questions in and around the Courtyard, lead tours, work with children’s groups and serve as the Center’s ambassadors to guests from all over the world. Becoming a Guide at the Wildflower Center is a truly rewarding experience.

Guides must complete our Wildflower Academy Guide training that combines classroom and field study with self-scheduled experiential learning. You will learn about our mission and why this work is important, native plants, Center history, gardening, Center programs and more.

When Is Guide Training?

Wildflower Academy includes six seminars, three in the Fall semester and three in the Spring semester, plus tours, hands-on experiences, and independent learning activities throughout the year.

Seminars meet from 1 to 2:15 p.m. in the classrooms beneath the Great Hall on the second Wednesday of the month in September, November, December, January, February, and March. During October and April, you’ll complete experiential training activities such as working a Plant Sale shift, shadowing a current Guide, or researching a favorite plant. If you have schedule conflicts, we’ll work with you on a case-by-case basis based on your background and experience.

Guide Positions

Guide positions include: working in the courtyard at our Information Desk, guiding tours for adults and youth, assisting with educational programming, participating in special events and festivals and representing the Center at external functions. In addition, many of our Guides volunteer in other departments at the Center. Explore the schedule, application, and commitment here.

Program Fee

Guide training is $100 for members and $160 for non-members, which helps cover the cost of speakers and materials. Non-member registration includes a one-year individual membership to the Center.

Questions?

For more information about becoming a Guide, contact Carrie McDonald, Manager of Volunteer Services.