Volunteer Program
The Hidden Lake Gardens volunteers are a dedicated group of people who help to maintain and improve Hidden Lake Gardens for the benefit and education of the public. Every year, more than 200 people volunteer and dedicate thousands of hours to the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk, Bonsai Courtyard, Conservatory, Hosta Hillside, Gatehouse, the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers along with our Special Events and Programs.
If you would like to become a Hidden Lake Gardens Volunteer, complete our online application. Some opportunities may require additional training, and all volunteers must undergo a Criminal Background Check.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Bonsai Courtyard, Conservatory Garden, Demonstration Garden, Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers, Hosta Hillside
Keep the Bonsai Courtyard, Conservatory, Demonstration Garden, Hosta Hillside, and the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers at their best and assist Hidden Lake Gardens in growing and displaying plants of horticultural interest and excellence.
>>View Conservatory Volunteer Description
>>View Demonstration Garden Volunteer Description
Docents
Enthusiastic, dedicated, and trained volunteers to lead educational and informational tours for our visitors throughout Hidden Lake Gardens.
>>View Docent Volunteer Description
Events & Programs
Engage with visitors during various events and assist Hidden Lake Gardens with event and program coordination, activities, traffic and parking, and other tasks as needed.
>>View Events & Programs Volunteer Description
Gatehouse, Gift Shop, and Visitors Center
Greet visitors with friendly, courteous, and welcoming dialogue and appearance as they enter Hidden Lake Gardens Gatehouse, Gift Shop, or Visitors Center.
>>View Gatehouse, Gift Shop, and Visitors Center Volunteer Description
Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk
Provide educational information and excellent customer service, monitor the safety of each visitor, and promote a positive visitor experience.
VOLUNTEER TESTIMONIALS
“Everyone who works at Hidden Lake Gardens is very friendly and helpful. Volunteering once a week led to helping with other events. When the Sky Walk opened, I started volunteering there. Visitors are very friendly and excited to be there. Hidden Lake Gardens is a beautiful place to visit whether you are hiking, biking, having a picnic, visiting the conservatory, or attending the many events they have year-round. If I could volunteer more I would. There are so many ways to volunteer at Hidden Lake Gardens. It is a very rewarding experience.” – Jalaine
“I truly believe we are all called upon to do something to help the world around us. By volunteering at Hidden Lake Gardens, I'm a part of promoting awareness of nature, reminding everyone who visits of the importance of acting as stewards of the natural world around us. My time at the Skywalk has been transformative: I get to stand among the canopy of trees for a few hours and bathe in the whisper of the wind through the treetops above, marvel at the sunlight dappling on the wooden platform at my feet & greet happy, curious visitors, most of whom have never been on a suspension bridge. I must admit that I come back week after week because it feels so good to be a part of this amazing experience, chatting with people, looking up through the trees with strangers, who somehow don't feel like strangers. I'm just so lucky to be a part of the HLG volunteer team.” – Carolynn
Questions? Call us at 517-431-2060 or email us at hlg@msu.edu.
We value our volunteers and take time to match volunteers to each position. Upon receipt of your application, we will contact you to schedule a time to discuss your interests and to tell you more about our volunteer program.
