Opportunities From: Powell Gardens Kansas City's Botanical Garden

Assist with distributing pre-purchased Mother’s Day brunch boxes to guests at Powell Gardens. Volunteers will help verify orders, and ensure each guest receives their items. This is a great opportunity to engage with staff and help create a wonderful mother's day weekend.

Dates Include:

May 6th, 7th, and 8th from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Staff contact information:

Jamie Runyon | arunyon@powellgardens.org | 660.624.3176

 

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

Join our Horticulture team at Powell Gardens’ Colonial Farms and help care for plants in our greenhouse spaces. Volunteers will play an important role in moving plants and protecting them from the elements, helping ensure they stay healthy and ready for guests to enjoy.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with moving plants throughout the greenhouse and surrounding areas Help protect plants from weather and environmental conditions Support general greenhouse operations as needed

Qualifications:

Ability to lift and push carts up to 40 pounds Comfortable working in an active, outdoor/greenhouse environment

Staff Lead: 

Dakota Lepker | dlepker@powellgardens.org

Brenda Wilson | bwilson@powellgardens.org

Details:

Dates: Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 10 (multi-date opportunity) Shift Options: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Spots Available: 4 volunteers per shift Department: Horticulture

What to Bring:

Sunscreen Water Hat Gloves

Upon Arrival:
Please report to the Plant Bar when you arrive for your scheduled shift.

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!

Join us as a Garden Tea Volunteer and help create a delightful experience for our guests!

March 21, April 11, and May 9 – pick a day that works for you!

Guests at Powell Gardens enjoy a botanically inspired champagne tea service featuring sparkling wine, fragrant teas, and a selection of sweet and savory bites. We need enthusiastic volunteers to help make the magic happen!

Volunteer Roles:

Prep Crew (9 AM – 1 PM): Set the stage for a beautiful tea experience by preparing tables, arranging treats, and ensuring everything is picture-perfect.Serving Team (9 AM – 1 PM): Provide warm hospitality by serving tea, bubbly, and delicious bites to our guests. Bonus: You’ll get to soak in the charming tea party atmosphere!Cleanup Crew (11:00 AM – 3 PM): Help us wrap up the event with a smooth transition by clearing tables, tidying up, and ensuring everything is ready for the next magical gathering.

Whether you're a tea aficionado, a hospitality pro, or just love creating memorable experiences, we’d love to have you on our team! Sign up today and steep yourself in a fun, rewarding volunteer opportunity!

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

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

Help create a welcoming and organized experience for guests at Colonial Farms! As a Greeter, you will be the first point of contact for visitors—offering a friendly welcome, assisting with directions, and helping manage the flow of checkout lines. During slower times, you may also assist customers with carrying purchases to their vehicles as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

Greet and welcome guests upon arrival Provide basic directions and information about the store layout Assist with managing checkout line flow Support customers with loading purchases when needed

Qualifications:

Comfortable interacting with the public Willingness to learn the Colonial Farms layout (simple training provided)

Details:

Shifts: Saturdays & Sundays, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Spots Available: 1 per shift Location: Indoors

What to Bring/Wear:

Closed-toe shoes Water bottle

Check-In Instructions:
Please check in with the Manager on Duty (MOD) at the front registers upon arrival. Nicole or Justina will be your point of contact during weekend shifts.

For questions, please contact: Justina Setina | jsetina@powellgardens.org

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

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

Volunteers who serve during the Mother's Day Brunch, will set up tables, serve food and drinks, bus tables and clean up during a botanically inspired tea from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. in the Visitor's Center Terrace.  Business casual attire recommended.

Dates Include:

Saturday, May 10th from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Staff contact information:

Jamie Runyon | arunyon@powellgardens.org | 660.624.3176

 

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

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

Join our Horticulture team for a hands-on morning helping beautify the front beds at our Colonial Farms location. Volunteers will assist with planting and arranging seasonal plant material to enhance this welcoming space. It’s a great opportunity to spend time outdoors, get your hands in the soil, and make a visible impact!

Details:

Date & Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: Colonial Farms (27610 E Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014) Meeting Instructions: Please meet at 9:00 AM at the front entrance near the greenhouses (by the pottery area).

What to Expect:

Outdoor, hands-on planting work A collaborative and welcoming environment Family-friendly participationQualifications: No prior experience needed—just a willingness to help!

What to Bring

Sunscreen Water Bug spray

Point of Contact: Eric Perrette | eperrette@powellgardens.org

We’d love to have you join us!

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