Volunteers at Selby

Join the Selby Family!

Volunteers play a vital role in Selby Gardens’ mission of research, conservation, and horticultural display. Outnumbering staff by more than 10 to 1,  Volunteers add the equivalent of more than 20 full-time workers to the Selby workforce each year.

Gardens Volunteers believe they get back much more than they give: new friends, new interests, and opportunities to learn and grow in Sarasota’s most beautiful surroundings.

"I started volunteering for something to do. Little did I know that by becoming a part of the Selby family, I would enrich my life so much. The other Volunteers and the staff are so knowledgeable, and they are willing to share their expertise. I eagerly look forward to my 'shifts' and enjoy volunteering for extras!”  - Denise "The ever-changing Gardens are a constant source of new knowledge. In addition, my assignment has allowed me to meet interesting people from all over the world; and other Volunteers have become my friends and are an important part of my life.”  - Tom "What better way than volunteering to be connected with people and purpose. At Selby Gardens, plant-crazed people can easily find others of similar bent while performing meaningful tasks. You can hunker down quietly with a research project or greet visitors as a docent or tour guide. Equally important is the role the staff plays interacting with the Volunteers. These are the ties that bind, the ongoing appreciation and recognition staff demonstrate, acknowledging their Volunteers as partners in the co-creation/sustenance of Our Favorite Gardens.”  - Sue Selby Volunteers enjoy special privileges, including discounts on membership and in our shops, special learning opportunities, recognition events, and much more. We offer opportunities for a wide variety of interests and schedules.

Join the Selby Family! To learn more about volunteering, call (941) 366-5731, extension 267, e-mail volunteer@selby.org, or attend one of our no-obligation Volunteer Orientations.

Wednesday, August 12, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Thursday, September 17, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Friday, October 16, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Saturday, November 14, 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

2010 Orientations

Monday, January 11,10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Tuesday, February 16, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Wednesday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Thursday, April 15, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Friday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Saturday, June 12, 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Upstairs in the Mansion

Volunteer Benefits

The following benefits are available to you in recognition for your donation of time and talent.

Free Admission – You may visit Selby Gardens free of charge anytime during normal business hours 364 days a year. Just show your name badge. Special evening fundraiser events are excluded.

Store Discount – If you volunteer more than 25 hours per year you are eligible for a 10% discount at the Garden Shop. If you are a member of the Gardens and volunteer more than 25 hours per year, you will be eligible for a 20% discount at the stores.

Free Classes – You may attend certain Selby Gardens classes at a discount or free of charge.

Free Tours – You will have the opportunity to attend free tours of the Gardens grounds and behind-the-scenes areas such as the greenhouses, herbarium and library.

Free Lectures – You may attend lectures by staff and visiting experts free of charge.

Free Library Use – You may use the Selby Gardens library and check out duplicate copies of material.

Membership Discount – We encourage you to support Selby Gardens by purchasing a membership offered to volunteers at a 25% discount.

Free Membership – If you volunteer more than 200 hours a year, you will receive a free membership.

Volunteer Appreciation Party – You will be invited to attend this annual event held each spring.

Service Awards – If you volunteer over 25 hours you will receive awards and public recognition based on years and hours of service.

Tax Benefits – Your mileage to and from Selby Gardens for purposes of volunteering, membership purchases, and other tangible donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. Selby Gardens is a 5013c non-profit organization.

Selby Gardens is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Christmas.

Adults $17, Children 6-11 $6, Members Free.

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens

811 South Palm Avenue
Sarasota, FL 34236
941-366-5731
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