Garden Team - Farandnear

Opportunity Overview:
We are looking for volunteers to join the Farandnear Garden Team in Shirley! Farandnear was the summer home of Arthur Banks – an accomplished political scientist and professor – and is now managed by the Trustees of Reservations. Farandnear is truly a special place, home to a pinetum full of more than 80 conifer trees, 2.7 miles of wooded trails, huge hemlocks and beautiful perennial garden beds. We need your help to maintain these gorgeous grounds, gardens and conifers. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone with some gardening skills and experience, but mostly someone with a passion and interest in plants and conifers and looking to give back and be part of this special arboretum.

Reports to: Stewardship Manager

Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):

• Assisting in the general care of the conifer collection
• Assisting in efforts to maintain and improve the perennial flower beds
• Repetitive garden tasks such as watering, weeding, mulching, and pruning
• Maintaining clean edge on existing garden and pinetum beds
• Noting and reporting any plant, tree, shrub, or area that needs special attention
• Interacting with Farandnear visitors in a friendly manner
• Representing the Trustees in a professional, friendly and inviting manner
• Communicating with Trustees stewardship staff, Farandnear lead garden volunteers and Trustees Engagement Specialist
• Adhere to The Trustees safety protocols
• Log volunteer Hours

Qualifications:

• Enthusiastic about plants and gardening, especially conifers
• Interested in learning about Farandnear, the gardens and the conifer collection
• Interest in performing general gardening practices, including repetitive tasks such as weeding and watering and pruning
• Able to identify plants and trees is a plus
• Ability to work with Trustees staff and other volunteers
• Ability to work independently
• Able to interact with visitors in a friendly manner
• Able to use garden tools, including wheelbarrows, edger, trowels, shovels, pruners
• Able to work outdoors in varying seasonal weather conditions
• Able to bend, stoop, dig, lift over 15lbs
• Flexible schedule, allowing for consistent volunteering at the property

Time Commitment:
Approximately 2-4 hours per week from April – November. Weekdays are preferred because staff will be on hand. 

For more information
Contact the Volunteer Services Team at [email protected]

To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/
 
More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
 
Inclusive Spaces for All
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces of community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
 
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.