Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways you can become involved at Wing Haven, and you always have the opportunity to give a little, or a lot, of your time. Please register to become a Roots Volunteer after reviewing the volunteer opportunities: In the Gardens, Education, Special Events, and Administrative Roles. Questions, or need help deciding? Contact Director of Education & Public Engagement, Andrea Funk.
In the Gardens:
Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary: Like to get your hands dirty? Choose from these groups that help keep the Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary beautiful:
Drop-in Volunteers: Work with gardeners on the task of the day. Time: select Saturday during summer months.
Herb Garden: Join this lively group to help care for the area in front of the Clarkson Home and Mrs. Clarkson’s Herb Garden while making new friends that share this interest. Times: Thursdays 9-11 a.m.
Rose Garden: Work alongside Wing Haven Garden & Bird Sanctuary gardening team to care for a special heirloom rose garden. Times: Wednesdays 10 a.m.-noon.
SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden: Maintain the whimsical plantings, exploratory gardens and outdoor learning space of our hands-on SEED Wildlife & Children’s Garden at Wing Haven. Times: Fridays, 10 a.m.- noon.
Elizabeth Lawrence’s Garden: Do you like to learn? Work closely with the Garden Curator at the Elizabeth Lawrence House & Garden to maintain this beautiful garden that serves as an amazing laboratory of blooms and greenery. Experienced gardeners only. Times: Saturdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Nursery: Calling all plant enthusiasts or those who want to learn more! Come make new friends, work with a fantastic team and help with one of Wing Haven’s fundraisers. You do not need to be a gardener to help. Join us as we work in the Nursery to plan, implement, and staff our biannual Plant Sales in October and April. Times: Every Tuesday mornings in August-November and February-May.
Education:
Birding: Facilitate birding programs and events, sharing your ornithological passion! Times: Weekday and Weekend times; specific events or programs include: Camp Wing Haven, Girl Scout Badge Day, Bird Walk, Great Backyard Bird Count and more!).
Camp Counselors/Helpers - Camp Wing Haven: Build leadership skills and gain valuable experiences as a Camp Wing Haven volunteer! Wing Haven is seeking Camp Counselors (rising 10th graders and up) and Camp Helpers (rising 6th graders and up) to lead our campers in garden and nature-themed activities. Volunteer for a week-long session, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Tour Docent: Share your passion for gardens, birds, and a little bit of Clarkson history guiding groups through the gardens of Wing Haven. Training required. Times: Weekday tours as needed.
Education Events & Programs: Work directly with children and families to facilitate monthly programs or seasonal events and/or working behind-the-scenes to help make our programs happen. Times: Weekdays and weekends as needed.
Special Events:
Seasonal Events: Includes setting up, greeting and/or assisting with social events, educational programming and seasonal happenings. Times: Weekday and weekends as needed; see Happenings page for dates.
Gardeners’ Garden Tour: Get to know Charlotte’s best private gardens (and the gardeners who created them) every year in late April/early May. Greet garden tour guests, check tickets and answer questions at the gardens. Many hands are needed and volunteers receive a free ticket. Times: One weekend in April/May, 4-hour or 5-hour shift.
Host /Hostess: Greet Wing Haven visitors during regular garden open hours in Elizabeth Lawrence’s historic house. Share with them the history of Elizabeth Lawrence, and show them inside her studio and sunroom. If a regular time slot each week/month suits your schedule, this is the opportunity for you. Times: 4-hour shifts during garden open hours, Wednesdays - Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
SEED Guide: Roam our hands-on, exploratory gardens, engaging with our young visitors and their families. Time: Shifts available Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Administrative Roles:
Archives: Currently not available, hope to return in spring 2024. This historically significant house and experimental garden is one of the country’s rare gems. Maintain a growing collection of books, journals, manuscripts, and photographs, as well as help with digitization and record-keeping. Training provided.
Fall Fundraisers (Wing Haven Symposium & Farm to Table Dinner): Assist our Development Director and Executive Director with planning, publicity, and underwriting of these major fundraisers. Each is biennial and takes place in the fall. Times: The months/weeks leading up to fall events.
Hospitality: Like to cook? We need you to help prepare food, set up or serve at Plant Sales and other events. If you have selected another committee you can still sign up for Hospitality because we always need lots of food! Times: As needed for events; see event page for dates.
Office Support: Want to know what is happening at Wing Haven? Come join the activity at the hub of the organization. Help with mailings, phones, program materials, and other administrative duties in the Foundation Office. Times: Volunteer on a regular or as-needed basis.