Volunteer

Volunteers are at the heart of Daniel Stowe Conservancy. From caring for the gardens and protecting our natural areas to supporting events, tours and guest experiences, volunteers play a vital role in helping us inspire a love of nature and its beauty through unforgettable outdoor experiences. 

Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new or spend more time outdoors, volunteering at Stowe is a meaningful and rewarding way to make a difference. With a wide range of opportunities available, there's a place for everyone to get involved and make an impact.  

Assist with seasonal planting, mulching, weeding, walking our deer fence to check for gaps and helping care for our Kid’s Adventure Trail. Opportunities also include supporting plant care in the Williamson Conservatory and assisting with greenhouse propagation and maintenance. No prior gardening experience required!

Work alongside our Natural Resources team to help protect and steward Stowe's 380 acres. Volunteers support conservation efforts through hands-on activities such as invasive species removal, native plant nursery support, native plantings, seed cleaning and other sustainability-focused projects that help advance our mission.  

Help support the Stowe Race Series, which features four races each year around our scenic property. Volunteers play a vital role in helping our races run smoothly by assisting with packet pickup, water stations, parking support, course directions and cheering on participants along the route.  

Our trained Docents lead guided tours of our gardens, educating guests about the history, plant life and unique features of The Gardens at Stowe. You can also assist with Learning for Littles, our outdoor-themed program for toddlers, and volunteer inside the Butterfly Bungalow in the summer, which is one of our most popular educational exhibits.*

Stowe Ambassadors help represent the Conservancy at local community outreach and tabling events, sharing information about our mission, programs and upcoming events. Volunteers in this role serve as friendly advocates for Stowe and help connect more people with our organization.*

Our Phenology Program tracks seasonal changes in the natural world. Through our Bluebird Phenology and Persimmon Trail Plant Phenology groups, volunteers monitor nesting activity and observe plant life cycle events. The data collected is submitted to the National Phenology Network, contributing to a nationwide effort to understand how plants and wildlife respond to a changing climate.  

Guest Services volunteers help create a warm and welcoming experience for visitors at Stowe. Volunteers greet guests as they arrive at the Garden Pavilion, provide directional assistance around the property, and support behind-the-scenes tasks such as preparing our monthly membership mailings.  

Stowe hosts a wide range of public events throughout the year, and volunteers play a key role in creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for our guests. Opportunities may include assisting with craft tables, helping with children's games and activities, providing parking support, and offering general event assistance.  

Volunteers help bring some of Stowe's most beloved seasonal exhibits to life. Opportunities include assisting with the setup and takedown of community exhibits like Scarecrow Hollow and Community Trees. During the holiday season, volunteers also help decorate indoor spaces and support nightly operations for Holidays at the Garden, assisting with activities such as managing lines for Santa, trackless train ridesand other guest experiences.  

We offer private volunteer experiences for corporate and large groups of 15–45 participants. Groups can take part in meaningful, hands-on projects such as garden maintenance, invasive species removal or other seasonal initiatives. To help cover staffing and project supply costs, private volunteer events include an associated fee. Please contact [email protected] for more information about our corporate and group volunteering offerings.  

*Training is required to become a Docent, Ambassador, Learning for Littles and Butterfly Bungalow volunteer. Email [email protected] for more information.  

Follow these simple steps to create your volunteer account and start exploring upcoming opportunities:

1. Complete our Volunteer Inquiry Form  – Submit a short form to create your volunteer profile and share a little about your interests. 
2. Set Up Your Volunteer Account 
   After submitting the form, you'll receive an email prompting you to create a password for your VicNet volunteer account.
3. Browse Volunteer Opportunities 
   Log in to VicNet and view the Schedule tab to explore upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up for activities that interest you. 
4. Join Us at Stowe 
   Once registered, you'll receive details about where to go, what to expect, and how to prepare for your volunteer activity. 

Click the button to login to our volunteer portal,  VicNet.

Minimum of 16 years of age to participate in our scheduled programs and accompanied by an adult if under 18. The adult may participate in the volunteer activity or enjoy The Gardens while staying on property.