Community Projects – Affiliate Gardens

The hours accrued working in these gardens can be counted only if the Intern or EMG has also met the minimum volunteer required hours during the calendar year without counting the hours worked in these gardens.

Affiliate Garden definition - These gardens are well-recognized established gardens with volunteers from many sources.  Extension Master Gardeners volunteer at these gardens under their official volunteer program.  Often these volunteer activities become learning opportunities for Extension Master Gardeners

Click on the garden below for more information about how to volunteer for a particular Affiliate Garden.

The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden

4800 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO

Volunteer Coordinator

Duane Hoover
816-932-1260
dhoover@kauffman.org

CENTRAL - All new Kauffman volunteers must fill out a brief application.  They can obtain one by contacting Duane either by phone or e-mail.  Once the application is mailed back to him, or slid under the garden office door, he will call them to find their best time to volunteer.

Orientation for the volunteers varies on the person.  They like to have help Monday through Saturday between 7:00am and 2:30pm.  Volunteers determine how long they want to work.  Some folks only do an hour and others will do six.  It is preferred that the volunteers either be on a set schedule, or if they can’t do that just e-mail or call a few days ahead of time if they are interested in coming in to help.  Then the garden schedule will be worked around how much help will be available that week.

Some volunteers that are short on time, but like to come in once or twice a year for an “all hands-on deck” day at the Kauffman Garden can also be used.  They are considered the special events volunteers.

Volunteers are only asked to bring work gloves.  All of the tools necessary for any task that needs to be done are available at the garden.

Powell Gardens

1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO

Amanda Tempel
Manager, Membership and Volunteer Program
volunteer@powellgardens.org
https://powellgardens.galaxydigital.com 

EAST - Powell Gardens offers a variety of opportunities for individuals to contribute their time and skills. Volunteers are essential to the success of Powell Gardens and play a critical role in advancing our mission. Each year, thousands of service hours are dedicated to maintaining the Gardens and creating enriching experiences for our visitors.

Volunteer opportunities include:

  • Garden Volunteers: Garden volunteers work closely with the Horticulture Department, contributing to vital gardening tasks such as weeding, planting, soil preparation, and overall garden maintenance.
  • Docent Volunteers: Docent volunteers help staff with educational tasks such as school and summer programming, site visits, administration projects, and family event preparation.
  • Administration Volunteers: Administration volunteers support various departments at Powell Gardens, contributing to tasks such as guest services, wedding events, membership, photography, community donations, data entry, and fundraising events.
  • Group Volunteers: Group volunteers will enjoy a customized outing tailored to their interests, with the option to schedule recurring opportunities upon request. This is an ideal option for corporate teams, religious organizations, or school groups seeking ways to give back and make a difference.

Volunteers are encouraged to commit to a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly schedule, fostering a deeper connection with Powell Gardens and the team. All volunteers are required to attend a brief orientation, which will be scheduled directly with each volunteer. Get started by visiting our volunteer website to create your profile and explore the many opportunities waiting for you at the Gardens.

Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden

5200 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO

Rose Garden Chair

Lauren English
laurenenglish.kcrs@gmail.com

CENTRAL - Orientation for volunteering in the Rose Garden is held once in May.  Thursday morning is the rose garden workday, anytime from 8:00AM to 10:30AM.  Mulching, pruning and deadheading are the general rose maintenance activities.

Contact Lauren to get on the volunteer list.  Some pruning and deadheading of the annuals are also needed throughout the season.  Volunteers need to work out these arrangements directly with her.

Volunteers are needed to plant annuals once past the last frost.  Contact Kelly Jander at kelly.jander@kcmo.org if interested in assisting with this effort.

Kansas City Community Gardens (Headquarters location)

6917 Kensington Ave, Kansas City, MO

Programs Coordinator

Noah Ybarra, noah@kccg.org

CENTRAL - To volunteer at KCCG, complete the Volunteer Form at https://kccg.org/volunteer/ and note your interest in where you would like to provide assistance. You will then be contacted with arrangements based on information provided.

Deep Roots Native Garden at the Anita B Gorman Discovery Center

4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO

Volunteer Coordinator

Cydney Ross
cydney@deeprootskc.org

CENTRAL - Work sessions:  There will be 3 separate sessions per month, one on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:00PM, one on the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8:00AM, and one on the 4th Thursday at 8:00AM. Times and dates may change depending on weather/etc. but should remain generally consistent through the season. Work sessions will start in March and continue through October. Each session will last 1 ½ - 2 hours. Our Outdoor Education Manager, Cydney Ross will be leading all workdays. Following each workday, please join Cydney for a quick garden tour on the grounds of the Discovery Center to see what's blooming!

Volunteers:  Our goal is to have 6-10 volunteers per session. It is recommended that volunteers sign up for a minimum of 3 to 4 sessions, i.e., once a month for 3 to 4 months, (preferably all 7 sessions if available) for consistency and training. In addition to being a great volunteer opportunity, these sessions are also an excellent educational opportunity! If you need to adjust your signup dates, please send an email to cydney@deeprootskc.org. Don't forget water, hats, bug spray, and sunscreen!

To sign up for work days please go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050e48a8a629aaf94-deep2#/