Anderson Japanese Gardens is always looking for fun, high-energy volunteers with a passion for the outdoors and Japanese culture to assist in its daily operations. Our volunteers are a diverse group of dedicated individuals who bring a unique mix of personal experiences and professional backgrounds to create a dynamic team.
Volunteers serve as Garden Ambassadors, Docent Tour Guides, Visitor Center Greeters, Garden Volunteers, and Office Volunteers. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two, four-hour shifts per month during the open season (Mid April – Early November). Training is provided and team outings and social events are scheduled year-round.
Click the following links below for more information, or contact Anderson Gardens at tours@andersongardens.org or 815.316-3354.
Ready to make a difference?
Docent Ambassadors
Garden Ambassadors help guide guests through the Gardens, answer questions, share the Gardens’ history, and keep the Gardens tranquil. Guests enjoy the personal stories that our Docent Ambassadors share with them and appreciate the guidance when they find themselves lost in our 12 acres. As a Docent Ambassador, you make a typical afternoon stroll extraordinary!
Docent Tour Guides
After completing a training program. docent tour guides are assigned to lead tours offered at the Gardens and share their knowlegde with guests from all over the world; all in an intimate group setting. Guests who participate in group tours are connected to the Garden in a lasting way.
If you enjoy public speaking and have an interest in the outdoors, you can help make a difference!
Visitor Center Greeter
As a visitors center greeter, you will be the first point of contact that guests see when entering the visitor’s center. You will help with the flow of guest traffic through the visitor’s center by directing guests to admissions, gift shop, Fresco, the Gardens, as well as the restrooms. Answer guest’s questions about memberships, programs, and events by maintaining knowledge of currently services and programs being offered. Assisting with an ongoing cross promotion of the Gardens full calendar of programs and events. Respond apprioriately to any guest concerns and bring them to the attention of the Volunteer Coordinator and/or Chief Operating Office in a timely manner.
Garden Volunteer
A Garden volunteer interacts with the Garden Staff. The role involves physical tasks like weeding, mulching, sweeping moss and paths, cleaning debris, raking leaves, and ensuring garden cleanliness. Ability to work outdoors in various conditions. Must have a passion of outdoors, gardening, and is open to learning garden skills.