Volunteer Application (long term)

SG - Education - Discovery Station

Smithsonian Gardens Discovery Station Volunteer

OVERVIEW:

Calling all plant people! As a Smithsonian Gardens Discovery Station Volunteer, you will help visitors explore the world of plants, kindle appreciation, and share tips on stewardship. You will invite visitors to explore the themes of two new exhibitions in 2026 through hands-on activities and thoughtful questions and conversations. You will also play an important role in growing visitors' understanding of Smithsonian Gardens' 15 public exhibition gardens and living, archival, and artifact collections.

More Than a Flower: The Connective Power of Orchids opens at the National Museum of African American History and Culture January 23 and runs through April 26, 2026.

Growing Tomorrow opens in spring 2026 across the Smithsonian Gardens along the National Mall.

REQUIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

An interest in plants and gardens (a green thumb is not required!)

Strong interpersonal and communications skills

A desire to help visitors of all ages' connections with the natural world blossom through science, art, history, and community

A willingness to volunteer both indoors and outdoors

All applicants must be18 years of age or older and will berequired to complete a federal background check.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

Volunteers should be able to commit to a regular 3-hour weekday shift or twice-a-month weekend shift over a 1-year period.

TRAINING:

Volunteers must attend the required Smithsonian Institution and Smithsonian Gardenstrainings before signing up for discovery station shifts.

Trainings will consist of at home reading assignments, online and in-person sessions offered at both weekend and weekday times and will be scheduled in the month prior to each exhibition's opening.

CONTACT:

Questions? Contact Katie Munn at munnka@si.edu

Personal Information

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The Smithsonian may contact the references listed below.

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I have read and understand the Smithsonian's Volunteer Privacy Notice and I certify that the information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge.

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