Love the Gardens? Be a docent!

We at Duke Gardens love to let visitors know all about the varied features here, and how the Gardens came to be. But we couldn't reach a fraction of the visitors that we do were it not for our fantastic volunteer docents.

Depending on their interests and availability, docents may lead tours (on foot or by trolley) or lead school or family programs at the Gardens.

We prepare our new docents at annual docent trainings (which current docents may also attend, to refresh their knowledge).

This year's trainings are as follows:

Feb. 21, 9 a.m. to noon: History of Duke Gardens. This session is required for all new docents.

Feb. 23, 9 a.m. to noon: Children’s docents only.

Feb. 28, 9 a.m. to noon: Adult docent session, Children’s docents are encouraged to attend.

March 1, 9 a.m. to noon: Children’s docents only.

Following this experiential formal training, there will be additional dates scheduled with the curators of each of our four main gardens so that docents may gain deeper knowledge about Duke Gardens.

Docent training is open to all current and prospective volunteers. The first step for newcomers is to apply to be a Gardens volunteer. You can learn more, and fill out an application, at the Gardens' website. Thereafter, new volunteers may apply to be a docent. All docents for children's programs must go through a background check, for the safety of visitors and volunteers alike.

For more information, please see our website or call Chuck Hemric, director of volunteers, at 668-1705. We hope to see you soon!