Since opening to the public in 1974, Mercer has flourished from a strong volunteer base.

Volunteers help with all aspects of the gardens. They work alongside staff in the gardens and greenhouses, lead education tours, improve the Mercer library, and catalog plant specimens for the herbarium.

From building benches and propagating plants to organizing March Mart, the largest plant sale fund-raiser in Southeast Texas, there is a variety of fun and interesting volunteer opportunities.

Mercer’s volunteers include plant and nature enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels including community groups, corporations, Master Gardeners, Texas Gulf Coast Gardeners, and many more.

For more information, please contact our volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160.

Volunteer Benefits

The volunteer coordinator matches the applicant’s interests and talents to exciting volunteer opportunities. New volunteers receive excellent job training, including tours of Mercer’s facilities and gardens. Refresher training sessions are also available for experienced volunteers.

Mercer offers job diversity. From digging in the dirt, to educating people, to working on the computer, there is something for everyone at Mercer. Become a garden assistant, trail guide, administrative assistant, financial specialist, collection curator, special event planner, or any of the over 25 different positions. Volunteers also enjoy flexible work hours and a range of commitment levels.

Mercer provides volunteer appreciation events during National Volunteer Week in April, an annual picnic the last Wednesday in October, field trips, ongoing training, and a subscription to The Leaflet, a quarterly e-newsletter highlighting gardening news and information.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
MARCH MART

Volunteer Handbook (PDF)
North Side Greenhouse Volunteer Flyer (PDF)