While Goodell Gardens does have a small staff, Edinboro’s botanical garden really couldn’t pull off their season without the help of volunteers.
“Our volunteers are some of our greatest assets,” Goodell spokeswoman Amber Wellington said. “There’s a huge list of things they help out with, and we really wouldn’t be able to operate a full season without them.”
Volunteers at Goodell Gardens help with field trips, teaching classes, running events, taking tickets, running the gift shop, pulling weeds, planting, giving tours and sharing knowledge. Volunteers also assist with data collection for a variety of citizen scientist projects.
While Goodell Gardens does not open for the season until May 1, volunteer recruitment is already underway. The staff at Goodell Gardens invites anyone who is interested in volunteering during the 2016 season to attend one of two Volunteer Informational Meetings: Wednesday, April 6 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, April 9 from 11 a.m. to noon.
Topics covered at the meetings will include volunteer opportunities and rewards. Light refreshments will also be provided. “We offer a variety of volunteer rewards, including free memberships and tickets to our special events,” Wellington added.
If you’re planning to attend either of the meetings, please RSVP via email – info@goodellgardens.org, by calling (814) 734-6699, or by joining the events list on the Goodell Gardens Facebook page – www.facebook.com/goodellgardensandhomestead.
ABOUT GOODELL GARDENS & HOMESTEAD
Goodell Gardens & Homestead is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to create an education-oriented botanical garden and arboretum on the 78-acre Goodell family farm within the borough of Edinboro, Pennsylvania by emulating the Goodell family passion for gardening and horticulture. Memberships start at just $30 per year. For more information, visit goodellgardens.org.