Opportunities From: Powell Gardens Kansas City's Botanical Garden

Do you love nature? Enjoy working with kids? Join our Garden Guides team and help bring the magic of the gardens to life for young learners!

Field Trips: Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Even if a field trip isn’t scheduled, we’d love to have you join us to help prepare for the next one!

Must be comfortable walking up to 1½ miles per trip

What You’ll Do:

Lead K-12 students on hands-on, nature-based learning adventures.Inspire curiosity about plants, ecosystems, and the great outdoors.Participate in monthly one-hour Zoom training sessions to expand your knowledge.Provide valuable support as an Assistant Garden Guide (optional role available).

Why Volunteer?

Make a lasting impact on future nature lovers.Gain experience in environmental education.Be part of a passionate and supportive community!

If you're passionate about nature and love working with children, we’d love to have you!

Sign up today and help shape the next generation of nature explorers!

Leadership contact information:

Julie Wise, Coordinator, Education, jwise@powellgardens.org

Items to bring:

WaterSnacks or LunchTennis or closed-toes shoesSunscreen, if needed

Help bring our beautiful hanging baskets to life by joining the Foliage Basket Crew! Volunteers will assist our greenhouse team with seasonal production plantings, helping prepare the hanging baskets that will be enjoyed throughout Powell Gardens.

Tasks may include filling and planting hanging baskets, taking and propagating cuttings, moving baskets, routine maintenance, and tagging finished plants. This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys hands-on gardening and wants to learn more about greenhouse production.

Schedule:

Tuesdays and Thursday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Qualifications:
Volunteers should be comfortable working in a greenhouse environment and able to lift pots on and off the ground. Greenhouse temperatures are typically comfortable in the fall but may fluctuate depending on the weather.

Accessibility:

Not wheelchair accessible Outdoor/greenhouse opportunity Not family-friendly

What to Bring:
Please dress for changing weather conditions and bring:

Water bottle Sunscreen Bug spray Closed-toe shoes Gardening gloves Jacket and short-sleeve shirt (temperatures can vary)

Arrival Instructions:
Please check in at the Front Desk when you arrive and ask for Greenhouse Lead Valarie.

Staff Lead
Valarie | P# 816-229-7526

Join the Horticulture team in helping keep Powell Gardens vibrant and thriving! Volunteers will assist with essential garden care tasks including watering flowers in beds and containers throughout the Perennial Garden, Gatehouse areas, and highway plantings. Additional tasks may include light weeding and general garden maintenance as needed.

This is a great opportunity for individuals who enjoy working outdoors and contributing directly to the beauty and health of the gardens.

Schedule: Flexible (between 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

What to Bring Sunscreen Water bottle Snack Bug spray Closed-toe shoes Arrival Instructions

Upon arrival, please report to the Perennial Garden and check in with either Tommy Loggins or Dan Hicks.

Point of Contact

Tommy Loggins
tloggins@powellgardens.org

Love working outdoors and getting your hands dirty? Join the Horticulture team in Powell Gardens' beautiful Woodland & Stream Garden! Volunteers in this role help maintain one of the Garden's most natural and serene spaces while supporting the health and beauty of the landscape.

Tasks may include:

Removing weeds and invasive plant speciesClearing debris from streams to maintain proper water flowPlanting containers and naturalized garden areasBlowing and clearing sidewalks, decks, and pathwaysAssisting with branch and tree removal using hand toolsOperating equipment such as string trimmers (training available for interested volunteers)

This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who enjoy physical outdoor work, learning about native landscapes, and contributing directly to the care of the Gardens.

Qualifications

Ability to perform general gardening tasks such as weeding, planting, and debris removalExperience using landscape equipment is helpful but not requiredWillingness to learn safe equipment operationAbility to identify and avoid poison ivy is beneficialMust be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoesLong pants and tall socksWater bottleBug spray or tick repellentHat or headband (recommended)

Schedule
Flexible scheduling may be available after initial training. 

Arrival Instructions
Please enter through the employee entrance located to the right of the main gate and park near the former Horticulture Building. From there, you may walk to the Woodland & Stream Garden using the paved path past the Perennial Garden. New volunteers may arrange to be picked up and transported to the work area.

Questions?
Contact Trent Loggins at tdloggins@powellgardens.org or 660-238-5987

Do you enjoy tropical plants or want to learn more about caring for them? Join our Weekly Tropical Care Team at Colonial Farms and help care for our growing collection of tropical and houseplants!

Volunteers will assist with a variety of greenhouse tasks, including watering, cleaning, repotting, moving, and general plant care. With a diverse collection of plants, every shift offers something new to learn and experience. Whether you're an experienced plant enthusiast or simply curious about tropicals, we'd love to have you on the team.

Schedule Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Qualifications

Knowledge of tropical plants is helpful but not required. We welcome anyone eager to learn!

What to Bring

Although you'll be working inside the greenhouse, temperatures can get warm. Please bring:

Water bottle Sunscreen Hat Gardening gloves Arrival Instructions

Please check in at the Front Desk when you arrive and ask for a Greenhouse Lead.

Staff Lead

Dakota Lepker
dlepker@powellgardens.org

Looking for a fun and engaging way to volunteer? We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help create a warm and welcoming experience for guests at Powell Gardens! 

Greeter – Be the friendly face that welcomes visitors and helps them navigate the gardens.

Days: Every Friday & Saturday
Shifts: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Where: Powell Gardens Visitor Center

Why Volunteer?

Enjoy the beauty of the gardens while making a difference Gain valuable experience in guest services and retail support Meet new people and be part of the Powell Gardens community

Arrival & Parking:
Please park in the Visitor Center parking lot and meet in the Grand Hall, where the Manager on Duty will greet you and provide instructions. If you are new to volunteering, we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early for a brief tour of the facilities.

Help us create an unforgettable guest experience!

Help keep one of Powell Gardens' beautiful garden spaces thriving! Volunteers will assist the Horticulture team with a variety of seasonal gardening tasks, including weeding, deadheading spent blooms, planting, pruning, and other general garden maintenance. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who enjoys working outdoors, learning about plants, and making a visible impact on the beauty of the Gardens.

No previous gardening experience is required—just an interest in plant care, a willingness to learn, and a positive attitude.

Location: Island Garden

Shifts:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or SaturdayMorning: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Afternoon: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

What to Bring:
Please dress for the weather and outdoor conditions. We recommend bringing a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, and bug spray. Sunscreen and bug spray are also available if needed.

Arrival Instructions:
The Island Garden is located along the path from the Visitor Center. Walk toward the Conservatory at the end of the Grand Hall, turn right at the first unlocked door, then follow the path toward the lake until you reach the bridge leading to the Island Garden.

Staff Lead: Justus Behler | jbehler@powellgardens.org 

Support a lively seasonal series at Powell Gardens by assisting with bar back operations for Mimosas & Dragons. Volunteers in this role help ensure smooth beverage service by supporting the bar team with restocking, setup, cleanup, and general assistance throughout the event.

This is a hands-on outdoor bar environment where volunteers play an important role in keeping service running efficiently and helping create a positive guest experience.

Event Dates & Times

May 31 June 14 & 28 July 12 August 9 & 23 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM each date

Check-in Location

Grand Hall at 10:00 AM

Volunteer Responsibilities

Assist bartending staff with bar back duties Restock supplies and assist with beverage service setup Maintain cleanliness and organization of bar area Support breakdown and cleanup after service

Requirements

Must be 21 years of age or older Comfortable assisting with beverage service operations Outdoor bar environment

What to Bring

Sunscreen Water bottle Comfortable attire for outdoor work conditions

Staff Lead/Point of Contact: Jamie Runyon | jrunyon@powellgardens.org

Thank you for helping us keep the Mimosas & Dragons experience running smoothly for our guests!

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

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.

Help create memorable experiences for families visiting Powell Gardens' Colonial Farms! As a U-Pick Farm Guide & Support Volunteer, you'll serve as a friendly ambassador, helping guests navigate the farm and enjoy a successful harvest experience.

Volunteers will assist visitors by identifying which fruits, flowers, and produce are ripe and ready for harvest, demonstrating proper picking techniques, and answering basic questions about the U-Pick experience. Depending on interest and qualifications, some volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with tram transportation to and from the fields.

In addition to guest engagement, volunteers will support general field operations, which may include harvesting berries, deadheading flowers, removing fallen fruit, and helping maintain a welcoming and productive farm environment.

Qualifications

Must be 18 years of age or olderComfortable working outdoors in a variety of weather conditionsValid driver's license

What to Bring

Closed-toe shoesHat or sun protectionWater bottleSunscreen

Arrival Instructions
Please check in with the cashier at the main entrance of Colonial Farms when you arrive for your scheduled shift.

Schedule
Recurring shifts are available:

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.Opportunity runs through October 25

Staff Lead Contact Information
Jessica Tinder | jtinder@powellgardens.org

Join us in helping guests connect with where their food and flowers are grown while supporting one of Powell Gardens' most engaging seasonal experiences!

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

Development & Membership Volunteer Support

This opportunity includes project-based volunteer shifts that are added as needs arise. Volunteers may assist with a variety of Development and Membership projects, such as event preparation, mailings, data organization, or other administrative support tasks.

Opportunities will be posted when projects become available, and volunteers may sign up for shifts as they are added. If you do not see any dates currently listed, it simply means there are no active opportunities at this time.

Staff Lead: Amanda Tempel | atempel@powellgardens.org | 816.683.4840

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

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

Join us for a hands-on opportunity to explore and support the natural ecosystems of Powell Gardens! Volunteers will assist with a biological survey by identifying and counting insects, observing wildlife, and assessing soil types across designated areas of the property. This important work helps us better understand and care for our environment.

Dates & Time: All Sessions 1 pm - 4 pm

April 19 May 17 June 7 July 19 August 16 September 20

What to Expect:
This is an outdoor, active volunteer opportunity that may involve walking on uneven terrain, standing for extended periods, and exploring wooded or natural areas. No prior experience is necessary—guidance and instruction will be provided on-site.

What to Bring:

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing (long pants and closed-toe shoes recommended) Sunscreen Bug spray Refillable water bottle Snacks, if needed

Additional Information:

This opportunity is family-friendly; however, all participants should be prepared for outdoor conditions, including potential exposure to ticks, poison ivy, and other natural elements. Volunteers under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. In the event of severe weather, participants will be notified of any changes or cancellations.

We’re excited to have you join us in this meaningful effort to better understand and protect the diverse ecosystems at Powell Gardens!

Location:
Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture at Powell Gardens

Staff Leads: Cassandra Everly | cassandra@agoodoak.com

                      Jacob Canyon | Jacob@agoodoak.com