Volunteer
Volunteers grow community!
Volunteering at Yew Dell is a great way to meet new people and develop new skills in a beautiful setting. From garden to natural areas, office to events, we have volunteer opportunities in just about every facet of Yew Dell’s operations. Whatever your skills or experience, we have a project that could use your talent. Training and materials are provided for all positions.
Stay up to date with the volunteer program by signing up for the monthly Volunteer eNews at the bottom of this page and join our Yew Dell Volunteer Facebook Group.
Reattendance at a volunteer orientation session is required if two years have lapsed since one’s last volunteer date with Yew Dell.
- Register as a volunteer
- Sign up for shifts
- Cancel shifts
- View schedule
- View your hours
If you have questions about Volunteer Matrix, please see our Volunteer FAQs .
Our goal is to empower all volunteers to contribute to the mission of Yew Dell while providing a rewarding and engaging experience where all contributions are valued and appreciated.
Volunteer Resources
Volunteer Spotlight
We are thrilled to recognize Germaine Russo in this month’s spotlight!
Germaine joined as a volunteer in spring 2023 and has been an absolute delight to work with. Staff describes her as a “hoot and a half”, “very welcoming to new folks”, and “always down for anything”. They enjoyed working alongside her this season and admired the zeal with which she approached every project. We are grateful to have her on our team and look forward to growing more alongside her!
Thank YEW, Germaine!
Learn more about Germaine!
How did you first get involved with Yew Dell?
I became involved with Yew Dell as a volunteer through the Oldham County Master Gardener program.
What surprised you the most about volunteering at Yew Dell?
Volunteering at Yew Dell has given me the opportunity to witness an incredible team of bright, thoughtful and kind folks who share the vision of creating a little Eden. Nature constantly provides surprises for those who observe her and the folks at Yew Dell continually demonstrate what a joy it is to study, work and play with the infinite surprises Mother Nature provides.
What has been your favorite experience at Yew Dell?
There is a flow to the rhythm of each work day ever time I’ve been there, despite the weather or who I’m working or volunteering with. It’s also always great to experience being with people who love nature and know how to laugh at themselves when they try to master her.
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Wouldn’t you like to know? Ha ha
What would you say to someone interested in volunteering at Yew Dell?
Do it and you’ll be in for a great adventure!
Volunteer FAQs
Do I need experience to volunteer?
No! We take volunteers of all skill levels and you will certainly learn while volunteering in the gardens.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
Yew Dell will provide you all the tools needed for your task, but encourages you to bring your own garden gloves. If you have favorite hand tools (like soil knives and pruners), we encourage you to bring them; just be sure they are labeled with your name and you remember them when you leave!
What do I need to bring to my shift?
Yew Dell encourages volunteers to bring their own gloves, though we do have a small stash for those that don’t bring their own (these may contain Latex). We also encourage volunteers to bring water, a snack, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, or other items you may need for comfort while working outside. Closed-toed shoes are a requirement for all volunteering opportunities. You will receive an email before each shift with any additional notes related to your specific shift.
How old must you be to volunteer at Yew Dell?
Whether you are seeking service opportunities with your family, your church group, your youth organization, your school or simply on your own, we are excited to work with you to match you with appropriate activities that provide a fun and meaningful experience for you.
- Volunteers who are ages 7-13 must have direct parent/guardian supervision.
- Volunteers ages 14-17 may volunteer independently with a signed waiver.
- Click here for more information.
I'm having trouble with Volunteer Matrix. What should I do?
We put together the video below to help navigate Volunteer Matrix. If this video does not answer your question, please contact us using the button below.
What opportunities are available to me if I haven't attended orientation?
There are several ways to get involved before or without attending orientation:
- Saturday Workdays
- Join A Friend shift (if you know a current volunteer)
- Plant Sales (some shifts)
- Events (some shifts)
- Fairy House making (when available)
Can I bring a group to volunteer?
Absolutely! If you are looking for a fun way for employees, church groups, classes, or other organizations to get involved as a group, we offer many exciting opportunities for small to large groups. We can accommodate up to 20 volunteers. To set up a group volunteer opportunity, click here.
Can I bring a group of youth to volunteer?
Absolutely! We accept group volunteers ages 6 and up. We require a 1:10 ration of adults to youth and can accept up to 20 youth volunteers at a time. Each youth must have a waiver completed by their guardian to volunteer.
How do I cancel a volunteer shift I've signed up for?
You can cancel your shift through Volunteer Matrix (the same way you signed up). To do so, login, click “My Profile, Schedule, Hours, Etc.”, then “My Future Schedule” and cancel your shift.
If you are cancelling within one hour of your shift, this option will not be available. Please email us if this is the case by replying to your shift schedule email.
When is Yew Dell's volunteer season?
The majority of our volunteer opportunities occur between March and mid-December.
I'm interested in volunteering, but the shift is too long. Can I still join?
Absolutely! We understand that some volunteer shifts may be too long depending on the individual. Volunteers are not required to volunteer until the end of the time slot, but we request that all volunteers be present at the beginning and communicate with us if they need to leave early.
How do I sign my family up to volunteer?
- Create an account for yourself in Volunteer Matrix. (You will be the main contact for your family or group.)
- Choose the volunteer shift you are interested in signing up for and click “Find my Volunteer Group or Create a Volunteer Group”.
- Click “Create New Group” and follow the prompts. We recommend naming it like “Smith Family”
- You can optionally add email addresses for any family members that have them. (The page will explain why.)
- Click “Save new group info”
- When you go to sign up for your shift now, you’ll see the option such as: “Scheduling Group: Smith Family”.
- Follow the prompts to complete group scheduling. You are not required to enter each member’s name, but keep in mind that a waiver will need to be completed for each individual upon sign in.
Ready to get started? It's as easy as 1-2-3!
- Create an account in Volunteer Matrix.
- Explore the calendar and choose your shift.
- Enjoy your volunteer shift!
Volunteer Opportunities
To sign up to volunteer or attend orientation, please log into or create an account in Volunteer Matrix, then follow the prompts.
Saturday
Workdays
Since 2002, these volunteer workdays have offered opportunities to meet our team and enjoy tasks like weeding, mulching, planting, and invasive removal. Open monthly to individuals, families, scouts, and groups during our volunteer season (March-November).
Register
Orientation Not Required
Volunteer
Orientation
Looking to get involved? You’re in the right place! Join us for an Orientation session to explore the many volunteer opportunities Yew Dell has to offer and learn how you can become a member of our team. (Typically available February-October.)
Register
Weekly
Workdays
Whether you’re a beginner or expert gardener, we have a project just for you! Weekly Workdays focus on specific projects or locations around the grounds and change seasonally. Come out each week to help us keep our gardens, plant collections, and natural areas in tip top condition!
Register
Orientation Required
Group
Volunteers
Looking for a great team building activity? Look no further! We welcome group volunteers ages 6 and up. Tasks may include weeding, invasive plant removal, and trail building, and much more. To set up a group volunteer opportunity, click here.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Administrative
Opportunities
Nursery
Volunteers
Volunteer
Photography
Docent
Program
Fairy
Volunteers
Woodland
Trails
Group Volunteer Request
Connect with Us
Click the icon below to visit our Yew Dell Volunteers Facebook Group. Join for even more updates, stories, and fun!
