Volunteers: The Heart of Reeves-Reed Arboretum
At Reeves-Reed Arboretum, the beauty that greets visitors is thanks in large part to what happens behind the scenes: the hours, effort, and care of passionate volunteers who support nearly every aspect of this Summit treasure. The lush gardens, restored trails, and festive events are powered not just by nature, but by people. Volunteers are essential to the Arboretum’s mission and remain one of its greatest strengths.
From planting tulip bulbs to assisting educators, volunteers provide vital support across the organization. This diverse network includes students, retirees, teachers, avid gardeners, corporate teams, and nature lovers of all kinds. Some lend a hand for just a few hours at a festival; others return season after season to work alongside the horticulture staff.
Whether it’s students earning service hours, garden lovers tending beds, or community members welcoming guests at events, Reeves-Reed volunteers are united by their love of nature and community. Many say they come for the plants—but stay for the people.
Corporate volunteer groups also make a tremendous impact. Spending team-building days digging, mulching, planting, and maintaining the 13.5-acre property, their collective efforts are visible in the restored trails, thriving garden beds, and welcoming public spaces.
Event volunteers are the backbone of signature celebrations like Celebrate Fall and Daffodil Day. During the holiday season, a special team of creative “holiday elves” transforms the Arboretum with festive décor and crafts wreaths, swags, and arrangements for the popular Holiday Greens Sale, an annual fundraiser.
The Arboretum also welcomes those with a passion for working with children. These volunteers help deliver outdoor education programs such as Hands to Nature, class trips, and gardening and cooking classes—offering young learners meaningful, hands-on experiences in nature.
“We’re always looking for helping hands and friendly faces,” shared Trish Cassin, Reeves-Reed’s Volunteer Coordinator.
“From gardening to greeting guests, there’s a volunteer opportunity for every interest and schedule. Whether you’re looking to dig in for a few hours or become a regular part of the team, volunteering at Reeves-Reed Arboretum is an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, and be part of something meaningful.”
Volunteer sessions run year-round, with tasks ranging from weeding and watering to planting and event prep. Corporate Volunteer Days can be scheduled for spring and fall, and include a welcome coffee, guided tour, team photo, and hands-on gardening activities with the horticulture staff.
Whatever your skills, schedule, or story, there’s a place for you here – where nature brings people together.
To learn more or register for a session, visit reeves-reedarboretum.org/volunteer.
Reeves-Reed Arboretum, a non-profit public garden in Summit, New Jersey, is proudly listed on both the National and State Registers of Historic Places. For more than 50 years, the Arboretum has inspired visitors to connect with the natural world—engaging, educating, and enriching them to become passionate stewards of nature and the environment.