Gardening Work Group

Gardeners volunteer outside in mostly open sun (though, shade can present itself in the early mornings when the shadows are longer). Public and private restrooms are located throughout the zoo only a short distance from any gardening area.

While gardens are often near pathways, the uneven nature of the ground may provide difficult for a standard wheelchair.

Early mornings at the zoo include animal noises and possible leaf-blowing before open hours. Noise from guests starts at 9:30AM when the zoo opens and is dependent on season and weather.

*Gardening at HVZ often requires attention to detail that would work well with someone who enjoys sitting in one place and hyper-fixating on one task at a time. We have many tiny weeds that will only be defeated by tenaciously pulling them up by the roots. Because much of the work will be weeding, this is excellent for someone who thrives on consistency.

• At least 18 years of age
  • Possible consideration for 16+ with a parent/guardian
• Comfortable getting dirty
• Some gardening knowledge is a bonus, but all things can be taught
• Ability to stand and walk on uneven surfaces
• Able to work well in groups
• Able to hear and process verbal instructions
• Able to carry up to 20lbs
• Flexible with changing plans and weather!

Volunteers commit to a weekly shift on Thursday mornings, 8:30AM-11:30AM between April and September.

• All volunteers commit to a series of online training modules that walk them through an orientation and any skills/knowledge needed for their specific role. All online training is completed before the first shift.All volunteers also commit to one onsite training set up specifically for their starting role.

  All gardening volunteers must be able to commit to the onsite gardening training on Thursday, April 16, 8:30AM-11:30AM.

Henry Vilas Zoo is open regardless of weather. While we remain open, we trust our Gardeners to decide whether or not they would like to volunteer in light precipitation, cold/hot temperatures, etc.

The volunteer is in charge of scheduling a make-up shift in the event they choose to stay home due to weather. In the event of truly inclement weather, we will call volunteers to cancel. In this case, volunteers do not need to make up their cancelled shift.

Browse is any edible, fresh plant material like leaves, twigs, and branches from woody plants. All animals at HVZ can get browse for a variety of different purposes (ex. eating, climbing, tools, perching, etc.).

Some animals have a daily fresh browse requirement. HVZ Gardeners learn to identify browse in their work and play a key role in maintaining and harvesting the browse during the growing season.