Become a Volunteer
Volunteers have an enormous impact on the garden collections, natural areas, woodlands, and sustainable agriculture sites overseen by Rutgers Gardens. Our goal is to provide volunteers with a fulfilling and enjoyable experience while furthering our mission of growing from our research roots to thrive as a university botanic garden for all, providing nature-based experiences to educate, engage, and delight.
Volunteers welcome!
Many volunteer outings are scheduled at the 130 Log Cabin Road location of Rutgers Gardens, just off Ryders Lane in New Brunswick, where a vehicle is needed to access the site.
Rutgers Gardens is part of the Rutgers University School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Expanding on our Campus Stewardship initiative, additional volunteer activities take place on the Rutgers—New Brunswick campus. These sites offer excellent opportunities for Rutgers students who want to make a tangible difference in ecosystem conservation, food security, and campus revitalization projects.
If you’re interested in:
- Helping the Rutgers Gardens Student Farm plant, maintain, harvest, and process organically grown vegetables for sale at the Rutgers Community Farmers Market and to feed community members and Rutgers students through food assistance programs and donations
- Planting and maintaining annual and perennial plants or supporting our unique tree specimens
- Promoting plant diversity and conservation ecology by volunteering alongside Rutgers Gardens staff and student horticulturists
- Creating an inclusive space for New Brunswick community members to grow nutritious vegetables, herbs, and flowers with the Rutgers Gardens Urban Agriculture program through the Healthy Harvest Initiative
- Enhancing your personal wellness and fostering community by volunteering outdoors with friendly people
- Learning more about plants, tree care, best practices for sustainable agriculture, and greenhouse operations alongside Rutgers Gardens experts and students
Please consider volunteering with Rutgers Gardens!
How to volunteer with Rutgers Gardens
First, please complete the 2026 Volunteer Interest Form, which allows our staff to learn more about your interests and motivations for volunteering. Even if you have volunteered at Rutgers Gardens before, we require a new Interest Form and Volunteer Waiver to be completed annually. Thank you in advance!
Volunteer activities with Rutgers Gardens take place Tuesdays through Fridays primarily in the morning and early afternoon hours. Rutgers Gardens is closed every Monday. Unfortunately, we do not offer weekend or evening volunteer opportunities due to staff schedules.
We are grateful to all volunteers who donate their time and efforts to keep Rutgers Gardens and its satellite locations beautiful and safe for all to enjoy.