Opportunities From: Powell Gardens Kansas City's Botanical Garden

Volunteer: Dogwood/Magnolia Walk & Fountain Volunteer (Led by Matt)

Join the Horticulture team at Powell Gardens and help care for the beautiful Fountain and Dogwood/Magnolia walk areas throughout the Gardens. Volunteers will assist with a variety of hands-on horticultural tasks including weeding, mulching, fertilizing, watering, pruning, planting, and occasional tree or shrub propagation projects.

This opportunity is perfect for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors, getting their hands dirty, and helping maintain stunning garden spaces for all guests to enjoy.

Volunteer Requirements:

Comfortable bending, standing, and working outdoors for up to 4 hours with breaks Able to work in heat and humidity

What to Bring:

Closed-toe shoes Garden gloves Sunscreen Water bottle Bug spray

Schedule:
Recurring morning shifts are available weekly or biweekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Staff Contact: Matt Hockaday | mhockaday@powellgardens.org

Arrival Instructions:
Volunteers will meet at the Visitor Center. If the main gate is closed, please enter through the business entrance and drive around Dam Road.

Program: Powell Gardens

Join the Horticulture team at Powell Gardens and help care for the beautiful Fountain and Dogwood/Magnolia walk areas throughout the Gardens. Volunteers will assist with a variety of hands-on horticultural tasks including weeding, mulching, fertilizing, watering, pruning, planting, and occasional tree or shrub propagation projects.

This opportunity is perfect for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors, getting their hands dirty, and helping maintain stunning garden spaces for all guests to enjoy.

Volunteer Requirements:

Comfortable bending, standing, and working outdoors for up to 4 hours with breaks Able to work in heat and humidity

What to Bring:

Closed-toe shoes Garden gloves Sunscreen Water bottle Bug spray

Schedule:
Recurring morning shifts are available weekly or biweekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Staff Contact: Matt Hockaday | mhockaday@powellgardens.org

Arrival Instructions:
Volunteers will meet at the Visitor Center. If the main gate is closed, please enter through the business entrance and drive around Dam Road.

Program: Powell Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 64061

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Volunteer Support – Horticulture Team (Led by Christian Van Matre)

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Christian Van Matre | cvanmatre@powellgardens.org | 913.645.9889

Program: Powell Gardens

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Christian Van Matre | cvanmatre@powellgardens.org | 913.645.9889

Program: Powell Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 64061

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Volunteer Support – Horticulture Team

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org | 816.807.5166

Program: Powell Gardens

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Monday: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org | 816.807.5166

Program: Powell Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 64061

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Volunteer Support – Horticulture Team (Led by Brent Tucker)

Get hands-on with some of Powell Gardens’ most unique and fascinating plants! Volunteers will assist with replanting, staking, and dropping orchids, as well as moving and organizing heavy containers in our greenhouse. Additionally, volunteers will help maintain the enchanting Stumpery Garden. Tasks may include light weeding, planting, and general upkeep to enhance this whimsical space.

Schedules for this opportunity are the following weekly or bi-weekly mornings:

Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon (Special Collections)Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon (Stumpery Gardens)Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon (Special Collections)

 Productions Greenhouse staff:

Brent Tucker, lead horticulturist (btucker@powellgardens.org, 816-683-4839) 

Items to bring:

Water Favorite gardening tool if you own one (not required; tools will be provided)Close-toed shoesSunscreen

Program: Powell Gardens

Get hands-on with some of Powell Gardens’ most unique and fascinating plants! Volunteers will assist with replanting, staking, and dropping orchids, as well as moving and organizing heavy containers in our greenhouse. Additionally, volunteers will help maintain the enchanting Stumpery Garden. Tasks may include light weeding, planting, and general upkeep to enhance this whimsical space.

Schedules for this opportunity are the following weekly or bi-weekly mornings:

Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon (Special Collections)Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon (Stumpery Gardens)Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon (Special Collections)

 Productions Greenhouse staff:

Brent Tucker, lead horticulturist (btucker@powellgardens.org, 816-683-4839) 

Items to bring:

Water Favorite gardening tool if you own one (not required; tools will be provided)Close-toed shoesSunscreen

Program: Powell Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 64061

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Volunteer Support – Horticulture Team (Led by Eric Perrette)

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org | 816.807.5166

Program: Powell Gardens

Horticulture Team Volunteer

Volunteers supporting the Horticulture Team play a hands-on role in caring for and growing the Gardens. Tasks may include pulling weeds, planting seasonal flowers and plants, preparing soil mixtures, mulching, and assisting with general garden maintenance projects. Activities vary by season and weather, but all work helps keep the Gardens healthy and beautiful for our guests.

No prior gardening experience is required—training and guidance will be provided on site. This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy working outdoors and don’t mind getting a little dirty.

Schedule
This opportunity is available on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during the following morning shifts:

Tuesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Thursdays: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoes (required)

Water bottle

Garden gloves (if you have them)

Cushion or kneeling pad for comfort during weeding (optional)

Sunscreen and bug spray, as needed

Staff Lead
Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org | 816.807.5166

Program: Powell Gardens

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 64061

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Greenhouse Support Volunteer (Recurring Shifts) @ Colonial Farms

Join our Horticulture team for hands-on work in the greenhouse! This active, behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunity plays an important role in supporting plant production and daily operations.

What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks, including unloading trucks, setting up tables, cleaning work areas, and helping move plant materials. Tasks may vary slightly each shift depending on greenhouse needs.

Schedule:
This is a recurring opportunity with limited spots available (2–3 volunteers per shift):

Tuesdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Thursdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (morning shift only)

Qualifications:

Ability to move flats of plants between racks and tables Comfortable lifting and carrying lightweight items Willingness to assist with cleaning and general greenhouse tasks

Important Details:

This opportunity is outdoors Not family-friendly (best suited for individual adult volunteers)

What to Bring:

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.) Water Gloves

Upon Arrival:
Please check in at the front desk and ask for a greenhouse lead team member.

Interested in volunteering with a group?
Team registration is available for this opportunity.

Point of Contact: Dakota Lepker | dlepker@powellgardens.org

Program: Colonial Farms

Join our Horticulture team for hands-on work in the greenhouse! This active, behind-the-scenes volunteer opportunity plays an important role in supporting plant production and daily operations.

What You’ll Do:
Volunteers will assist with a variety of tasks, including unloading trucks, setting up tables, cleaning work areas, and helping move plant materials. Tasks may vary slightly each shift depending on greenhouse needs.

Schedule:
This is a recurring opportunity with limited spots available (2–3 volunteers per shift):

Tuesdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Thursdays: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (morning shift only)

Qualifications:

Ability to move flats of plants between racks and tables Comfortable lifting and carrying lightweight items Willingness to assist with cleaning and general greenhouse tasks

Important Details:

This opportunity is outdoors Not family-friendly (best suited for individual adult volunteers)

What to Bring:

Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, etc.) Water Gloves

Upon Arrival:
Please check in at the front desk and ask for a greenhouse lead team member.

Interested in volunteering with a group?
Team registration is available for this opportunity.

Point of Contact: Dakota Lepker | dlepker@powellgardens.org

Program: Colonial Farms

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 64041

Allow Groups: Yes