Education

Educating visitors about the Gardens is an exciting and rewarding way to help Duke Gardens achieve its mission. Below are some of the volunteer programs you may wish to join.

Adult Docent: Lead adult groups throughout the grounds of this magnificent public garden while telling them about its rich history, the connections to the Duke family, its relationship to the University and its expansive horticultural collections. An in-depth training course is required and provided.

Children's Docent: Teach children the wonders of nature, botany and garden ecology and how to respect and enjoy the beauty of a public garden. Students in preschool through high school enjoy "Into the Garden," our award-winning hands-on educational program.

Hospital Docent: Help pediatric patients in their healing process by bringing botanical activities to Duke Children's Hospital once a month. Docents visit the out-patient or in-patient clinic with hands-on activities for children waiting for appointments, or treatments, and bedside topiary making.

An in-depth training course and manual are provided for all participants. This is a great opportunity for those who enjoy working with children and offering constructive and educational experiences for them.

Leaders, planners and helpers are needed for special events for children throughout the year. These include Nature Adventures Camp, Story Time, teacher enrichment events, Nature for Sprouts, Sunday Science and Arts in the Garden.

Workshop Facilitator: Volunteers with specialized skills may share their abilities in our adult education series. If you're interested, please contact Jan Little, the director of education and public programs, by e-mail or at 668-5309.

Photographer: Share your photographic ability by photographing plants, events and Gardens projects and contributing to calendars, books, notecards, postcards and posters.

Please contact Chuck Hemric if you would like more information about volunteering. Thanks for your interest!