We love having community members pitch in and help us achieve our goals in the gardens, in the nursery, in our offices, and at our events. Not only does your contribution to our mission help us, we also make sure you are rewarded for the work you do.
When you volunteer with us, you can:
- learn about plants, the environment, and sustainability
- find community among other volunteers with similar interests
- experience non-profit work from the inside
- receive discounts on selected events
We recommend trying a variety of volunteer shifts to find out what you like best. If you have any special skill sets you would like to share with us such as carpentry or art skills, please let us know. We are always in need of talented people to support us.
How to Get Involved
Individuals
Most of our volunteer opportunities are listed on the Hands On Atlanta website. They are great partners who help us manage volunteer registrations for shifts at our gardens, nursery, and events. Occasionally, we will have volunteer shifts that are posted on social media or in our newsletter.
We do our best to make volunteer experiences accessible for everyone. The bonus of Wylde Center being a large-ish organization with a lot of different tasks on our plate, we have a variety of jobs for our volunteers to complete regardless of knowledge, skills, or physical abilities.
Groups
If you have a group that would like to volunteer together or would like to perform specific tasks, reach out to us— we can often accommodate special requests and groups up to 100 volunteers. volunteer@wyldecenter.org
What to Expect
Nursery
Helping out in our nursery can involve tasks such as seeding, up potting, and watering the plants we sell at the Wylde Plant Market. Most tasks require standing, but accommodations can be made for those who need to sit.
Gardens
The tasks in the gardens are most diverse. Volunteers often spend their time weeding, mulching, planting, and removing invasive species. Sometimes light carpentry or crafty work is available. A wide range of ages and abilities can be accommodated with notice.
Office
Volunteers working in our offices can expect work in data management, inventory, and preparing mailers. These tasks vary week to week and can be adapted to the volunteer's skill set or interests.
Events
Wylde Center events often require an army of people to get everything done. Volunteer time can be spent before, during, or after the event. Some tasks might include set up, working the registration table, serving food, or taking pictures. Sometimes there is an expectation to lift up to 50 pounds or to stand for longer periods of time. We can often accommodate those with different physical abilities.
Please Note
We recommend bringing water, bug repellent, sunscreen when working outside. It is advised to wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate work clothes when working in the garden, in the nursery, or at events.
If there is a Health Advisory Warning, we advise that seniors and youth do not volunteer with us outdoors. If it is precipitating heavily or below 35 degrees, the workday will be canceled.
Court-Ordered Service
The Wylde Center accepts court-ordered volunteers on a case-by-case basis. Prior approval is required. Potential volunteers must provide written documentation from the court, probation officer, or their attorney stating the specifics of the offense. Please send this documentation to volunteer@wyldecenter.org or fill out our Court Ordered Service Application. All court-ordered volunteers are asked to review the service guidelines.
Volunteer Experience
Ensuring the comfort and safety of our staff and volunteers is our top priority. If you have felt anything but safe and welcome in our space, or if you have suggestions on things we could do better, please reach out to us at volunteer@wyldecenter.org.