Volunteer Information and Form

Thank you for being interested in joining the FWVGA. You don't have to be an expert gardener in order to join. Just have a desire to learn and a love of the outdoors. We will teach you everything you need to know.

Everyone who joins the FWVGA are considered VIPs (Volunteers in the Park). Since we work with the permission of the National Park Service, there are some rules we must follow.

Parking: Volunteers may use the parking lot down by the garden during work hours or when attending meetings. Enter the park by the main gate and cross the White Bridge. Turn left at the top of the hill where it says "authorized vehicles only". Follow the road around the back of the Tool House and behind the garden. The lot is located below the Potting shed.

Clothing: For safety and modesty reasons, all volunteers must wear long pants (jeans or khakis) and shoes with closed toes. No shorts, tank tops or sandals allowed. During hot weather, you might want to wear a hat or visor. Garden gloves are encouraged as well especially when working with the roses. After 10 hours of work, you will be provided with an official green FWVGA t-shirt. You are encouraged to wear this whenever working in the garden or attending fundraising events. If your's gets worn, another will be provided as needed.

Insurance: All volunteers must sign a NPS volunteer form. This ensures that we are covered by Workman's compensation and insurance in the case of an accident or injury. Every precaution is taken to ensure the safe use of mowers and other power equipment. However, minor injuries are always possible. All volunteers must be 18 years or older. Anyone younger must be accompanied by a guardian and be granted special permission.

How to get started: In order to volunteer, fill out the form below and click submit. Your information will be forwarded to the FWVGA volunteer coordinator, who will contact you. If it is past the starting date for spring work, you can simply come to the garden on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday morning and fill out the paper work then. Please ask for the "bed head" for the day. This is the person in charge of all work for the morning. Identify yourself as a new volunteer and they can take care of the rest. All tools are provided. However, you are free to bring your own gloves, kneeling pad, or whatever will make you more comfortable when working.

Break Time: Halfway through the morning, there will be a break time. Snacks and beverages are served at the Tool House. A phone and bathroom facilities are also available to the volunteers there. There is no charge for the refreshments. Volunteers who like to bake are encouraged to bring cookies, cakes, etc. The break time is a great opportunity to get to know the other volunteers.

Misc. Info: All work hours are recorded on cards at the Potting shed. These go towards keeping your membership active and rewards at the end of the season. All active members receive a monthly newsletter, keeping them up to day on what is going on with the association.

If you have any questions, please email us at fwvga@marist.edu.

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