Volunteers are essential to our mission of connecting people to our rich botanical heritage, our historic preservation and our commitment to culture education and entertainment.
Pinecrest Gardens’ volunteers are special people. They care. They have a sense of commitment to something greater than their own personal needs. We recognize that our volunteers provide Pinecrest Gardens with a vast resource of talent. Personal satisfaction along with a productive and rewarding experience is guaranteed!
Why volunteer at Pinecrest Gardens? We offer 4 ways to feel healthier and happier.
1. Volunteering connects you to others.
2. Volunteering is good for your mind and body.
3. Volunteering can advance your career.
4. Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.
Benefit 1: Volunteering connects you to others
One of the more well-known benefits of volunteering is the impact on the community. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to the well-being of our garden. And volunteering is a two-way street: It can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills. We offer a range of volunteer opportunities that not only connect you to the beauty of the Gardens, but to several volunteer organizations like our Pinecrest Garden Club or Garden Fund who have made this Garden part of their lives.
Benefit 2: Volunteering is good for your mind and body
Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health. Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety. Weeding, clearing fronds, looking after the animals in our petting zoo, spending time with children in our learning garden…all of these actions can have a positive effect on your mental and physical health. Nothing relieves stress better than a meaningful connection to another person. Working with people, plants and even animals have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Add to that the fact that volunteering combats depression, makes you happy and helps to deliver pleasure. The more we give, the happier we feel.
Volunteering increases self-confidence. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity. And the better you feel about yourself, the more likely you are to have a positive view of your life and future goals. Volunteering helps you stay physically healthy.
Studies have found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. Older volunteers tend to walk more, find it easier to cope with everyday tasks, are less likely to develop high blood pressure, and have better thinking skills. Volunteering can also lessen symptoms of chronic pain and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Benefit 3: Volunteering can advance your career
If you’re considering a new career, volunteering can help you get experience in your area of interest and meet people in the field. Even if you’re not planning on changing careers, volunteering gives you the opportunity to practice important skills used in the workplace, such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, project planning, task management, and organization. You might feel more comfortable spreading your wings at work once you’ve honed these skills in a volunteer position first.
Just because volunteer work is unpaid does not mean the skills you learn are basic. Many volunteering opportunities provide extensive training. For example, you could become an experienced gardener while working side by side with our horticulturist or a knowledgeable art historian or environmentalist while donating your time as a docent tour guide. Your volunteer work might also expose you to professional organizations or internships that could benefit your career. We are the domicile of several plant societies including the Bonsai Society, Native Plant Society, Pan Am Orchid Society, South Dade Amateur Orchid Club or the South Florida Orchid Society.
Benefit 4: Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life
Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions. Doing volunteer work you find meaningful and interesting can be a relaxing, energizing escape from your day-to-day routine of work, school, or family commitments. Volunteering also provides you with renewed creativity, motivation, and vision that can carry over into your personal and professional life.
How to find the right volunteer opportunity.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities available here at the Gardens. Would you like to work with adults, children or animals. Are your interests in gardening, theater or environmental education. Do you prefer to work alone or as part of a team? How much time are you willing to commit? If you are interested in joining this vital group of supporters, please call us at 305-669-6990, apply in person.
Exciting opportunities exist in virtually every area of Pinecrest Gardens. No experience is necessary for most positions and training will be provided. Whether you are professional, retired, a homemaker, or a student, Pinecrest Gardens needs your skills and talents.
