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Docents in the Garden
Having grown up on a Gasoline Alley in Brooklyn, my eyes remain constantly keen for green. The QBG Docent Program rewards me with growing knowledge (pun intended!) about the ground under my feet, of environmental values and concerns, plus a special opportunity. Helping young citizens understand and enjoy the natural world, our foundation after all, is a special treat. Their adventures—planting seeds, tasting herbs, for example—refreshes my own appreciation of nature’s magic. That’s why I’m grateful for the chance to be a QBG docent.
~ Irving Leos, QBG Docent Class of 2006
Do you have an interest in the natural world and want to share that interest with others?
If you have a passion for people and plants, love the outdoors, and want to learn more about living “green,” then consider becoming a QBG docent. Docents are enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers who are specially trained to assist Garden staff as hosts, education assistants, and tour guides.
QBG’s docents are:
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Interested in the environment
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Appreciative of the significance of plants
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Continuously learning and sharing knowledge with others
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Good communicators, able to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds
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Dependable, punctual, and flexible with schedules and last-minute changes
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Willing to spend time outdoors in the Garden
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At least 18 years of age
Docent Training
QBG’s docent training program is designed to provide participants with the tools they need to present and interpret the Garden to visitors. The program is presented in three parts: Classroom & Field, Experiential Observation, and Continuing Education.
Participants gain a significant understanding of the Garden and its collections, learn about the green technologies and sustainable landscape practices used in the new Visitor & Administration Building and exhibits, and discover the cultural significance of plants. Working with QBG staff, they learn to effectively deliver programs that connect people and plants to their environment and encourage environmental stewardship among children and adults alike.
Docent Responsibilities
Docents are asked to commit to the following:
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A minimum of 16 hours per month of volunteer service during the school year
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Arrival 30 to 60 minutes early to prepare for the program’s lesson
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Attendance at seasonal “refresher” classes
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Notifying the Education Office of any change in availability
Docents are also encouraged to become members of Queens Botanical Garden.
Docent Recognition
In return for their contribution of time and talent to QBG, docents enjoy these benefits:
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Free Garden parking
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Seasonal "refresher" classes on timely and interesting topics
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Invitation to the Garden’s volunteer recognition event
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Free classes after 50 hours of service (space permitting; materials fees not waived)
The QBG Docent Program is a valuable partnership combining your time, commitment, and enthusiasm with QBG’s resources and staff. Working together, we can enhance school visits and enrich the visitor experience.
Enthusiastic individuals are invited to apply. The program is limited to 15 participants, and is presented free. A deposit of $35 is required upon acceptance into the program, to be returned upon completion of all classes and training requirements. The Garden maintains a waiting list for future openings.
Call 718.886.3800 ext. 230 with questions or contact Lois Schuman for more information.
Docent application |
