A hearty corps of volunteers helps make Taltree a special place. Volunteer opportunities are outlined below. Call: 219-462-0025 or email to join Taltree's dedicated volunteer team.

• Gardening: Do you love working with plants? Then get your hands dirty while working in Taltree's gardens, greenhouse and nursery. You could help us with planting, mulching, weeding, pruning or even construction of new gardens. Tasks in the greenhouse and nursery involve seed separation, planting, watering, transplanting and moving plants.
• Grounds/Facilities: If you get satisfaction from carpentry, painting, irrigation and garden hardscape, or just general maintenance issues, then we could use your assistance. There is always a variety of projects on the grounds at Taltree that will provide volunteer opportunities for you, whether you like to work alone or with a group. Although skills in these areas are desirable, training will be available if you just want to provide an extra pair of hands.
• Docent: If you would enjoy sharing the surroundings of Taltree with others, then get involved as a docent. We will furnish the training to enable you to lead Interpretive Hikes on the grounds of Taltree. Whether you prefer to work with children as young as 4 years old or adult groups such as Garden Clubs, these hikes provide the opportunity to share Taltree's message. The hikes usually last approximately one and a half hours and average around a mile or so. With the younger groups we have Learning Tree games (if requested) which are used after the hike.
• Education: As an educator you will be involved in presenting pre-established training programs. If you prefer working with children, you could be involved with the presentation of Learning Tree programs not only on Taltree property but on the grounds of various elementary schools. If you are more inclined to work with adults, you could be assisting or leading training classes in our adult education program. If you have a specialty (i.e. horticulture, botany, biology, etc.) or are a retired teacher, educator or trainer, you may be involved in creating or giving training programs in your specialty.
• Events: Taltree hosts, or participates in, a wide range of events such as weddings, concerts, Taltree 10K Run, art competition, workshops, classes and booths at trade shows or conferences. The activities and positions may be varied, but all participating volunteers have the opportunity to work with various age groups as they meet the public and help facilitate a successful event. If you are outgoing, willing to learn and enjoy people, then consider assisting with events.
• Native Plant Garden: Do you have an interest in conservation or native plants? Volunteers in the Native Plant Garden help maintain the plant displays while learning about ecosystems and the specific needs of northwest Indiana's native plants. Tasks involve planting, weeding, pruning, watering and seed collection.
• Outreach: With energy and enthusiasm, the Outreach Team presents the mission, vision, and goals of Taltree Arboretum and Gardens to community groups and other interested parties. In addition, you will share the exciting news of upcoming events and improvements in the gardens. If you enjoy public speaking this is a great opportunity for you to shine.
• Office: If your preference is to work indoors, office volunteers assist with data entry, kiosk up-dating and visitor tracking. They may also furnish support with phone calls, faxes, functioning as receptionist, creating flyers and other office procedures.
• Welcome Center: As a Welcome Center volunteer, you will meet and greet visitors to Taltree and answer general questions about the arboretum. Other duties at the Welcome Center will be to collect entrance fees, answer phone calls and provide brochures, such as trail maps. Some Taltree gift items will also be for sale at the Center. Good people skills and the desire to help Taltree are the only requirements. We will provide the training and all the information needed to answer questions.
• Habitat Restoration: Although this work can be physically challenging, restoration volunteers will come away with a feeling of accomplishment in providing a better environment for native plants and wild animals. Along with removing invasive plants, you will prepare areas for and participate in prescribed burns. Work clothes with long sleeves and pants, sturdy shoes or boots and work gloves are required.