Volunteering

There are many ways to volunteer at Wilmot Botanical Gardens. Check out the variety of levels of engagement below. Don’t know where to start? Please complete the volunteer inquiry form below to start a conversation about how you can help preserve this historic landmark, contribute to groundbreaking research or assist participants and caregivers in the therapeutic horticulture program.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers of all skill levels will be engaged in restoring and maintaining the gardens, which provide an important natural respite for patients and caregivers served by UF Health Shands Hospital, as well as the rest of the university community and beyond. Tasks vary by event type, but typical activities include weeding, pruning, planting, mulching, and general grounds maintenance.

Regularly Scheduled Volunteering

Note: Due to COVID-19, regularly scheduled volunteering is currently being handled on an individual basis. If you are interested in volunteering during this summer or fall, please complete the form below and a member of our staff will contact you directly.

In addition to the scheduled volunteer workdays, volunteers are also accepted on weekdays. Consider volunteering on a weekly or monthly basis to assist with important garden maintenance tasks. This is a wonderful way to use your gardening skills or love of the outdoors to serve the community and individuals receiving care at UF Health. For scheduling contact the business manager at WilmotInfo@ad.ufl.edu or (352) 273-5832, or complete the form below.

Student Volunteers and Student Groups

Note: Due to COVID-19, student volunteering is currently being handled on an individual basis. If you are interested in volunteering during the summer or for the fall semester, please complete the form below and a member of our staff will contact you directly.

Over the years many individual students and student groups have dedicated time to restoring and maintaining sections of the garden by performing tasks such as weeding, digging, pruning, removing debris and laying sod. Both undergraduate and graduate students of all experience levels are welcome to volunteer and will be provided guidance from more experienced gardeners. This is a great way to gain gardening experience, earn community service hours, spend time outdoors and become more involved in UF and your local community!

Saturday Group Work Days

We pre-schedule several group work days each semester. For a current list of dates, visit the events page of our website. Advanced registration is required for group work days, and space is limited. To register, complete the form below and indicate which dates interest you.

Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners play a pivotal role in the life of Wilmot Botanical Gardens, providing crucial horticultural expertise for the gardens and the therapeutic horticulture program. Master Gardeners are welcome to serve in a variety of capacities and lead important projects for the gardens’ continued restoration and enhancement. To get involved please complete the form below.

Earn-a-Brick Program

Individual volunteers can participate in the Earn-a-Brick program. Following are the requirements to earn an engraved pathway brick to recognize your efforts:
UF Students
4″ x 8″ brick – 50 hours
8″ x 8″ brick – 100 hours
12″ x 12″ brick – 200 hours
Non-students
4″ x 8″ brick – 75 hours
8″ x 8″ brick – 150 hours
12″ x 12″ brick – 300 hours


Interested in volunteering?

Fill out the form below and a member of the Wilmot Botanical Gardens staff will contact you as soon as possible.

    Check as many as are applicable.