Field Trip Volunteers
Field Trip Volunteers spark curiosity, enhance scientific practices, and connect Utah elementary school students to plants and nature at Red Butte Garden.
Favorite feedback from teachers:
“The learning notebook and activities provided in Red Butte Gardens were fantastic! They completely served their purpose of engaging the students! I loved the volunteers at each of the stations in Red Butte Gardens that helped direct the small group discovery for the students. As a teacher I felt the students were engaged throughout.
”- Liz Swalberg, Ridgeline Elementary
We love Red Butte!! ♥️ Thank you for your optimal organization and communication. All the volunteers were nice and knowledgeable. Our students had the most amazing experience that will help them to respect and admire our beautiful state!! -K-2nd Grade Teacher
Volunteer Roles
Plant Pal
The role of a plant pal is:
- Assist an Educator with activities geared toward Utah Science and Engineering Standards (SEEd).
- Assist with the hands-on lessons that utilize science best practices and encourage up close engagement with plants.
- Help our educator pass out materials and maintain student engagement.
- We have one or two plant pals per trip.
- Play with cool science tools!
Garden Sage
The role of a garden sage is:
- Be a stationary educational docent.
- Talk with students about a personal plant passion or utilize our short lessons that enhance the student's investigation.
- Engage with groups of students about plant topics.
- We have one garden sage per trip.
- Practice your skill as an educator!
Roving Rosebud
The role of a roving rosebud is:
- Roving the garden to ensure Field Class groups are finding their way to our activities.
- Provide short engagements showcasing your favorite parts of the garden.
- Help maintain the flow of activities.
- We usually need two roving rosebuds per trip.
- Get your steps in!!
Field Trip Volunteer Information
Full List Field Class Volunteer Documents
Field Class Volunteer Manual: Contains field class information and logistics
SEEd Standards: The Utah Science and Engineering Education standards that we enhance during field trips.
Volunteer Roles: All three volunteer roles and responsibilities
Where to meet for a shift
After you clock in at the Visitor’s Center, please meet Garden Educators at the designated spot that is listed within volgistics.
“Orangerie Gate”, we meet at the north end of the Red Butte Garden Parking lot (next to the dumpsters). This spot designates a Red Butte Garden only field trip.
“NHMU Gate”, we meet in front of The Natural History Museum of Utah at 9:30am. These spots designate that students are going to Red Butte Garden and The Natural History Museum of Utah for their field trip.
"Courtyard", we meet in the courtyard for the 11:30 - 1:30pm NHMU partnership field trips.
Tasting Plants with Students
- School participants are to only consume plants if they are provided by plant experts (staff or volunteers in yellow).
- Plants in the Herb Garden are chosen and planted by expert horticulturists who avoid the use of pesticides or other chemicals and they are signed by our taxonomist curator.
- We have plant leaves that we recommend offering students. They are mild and varied in flavor: Sorrel, Lemon Balm, Chive, Salad Burnett, Water Mint
- We have wording we should share prior to handing out edible plants:
I’m a plant expert, so I know what plants are safe. There are poisonous plants in the Garden, so do not eat any plants unless a plant expert gives them to you in this Garden. Tasting is optional. We do not recommend tasting plants if you have allergies to food. You should not pick or eat plants after this activity.