Needs From: Volunteer Houston

The Mercer Society maintains several greenhouses that are used primarily to grow plants for the annual March Mart plant sale. Working with the grower and TMS volunteers, you may be making cuttings, potting or repotting plants, maintaining potted plants in the greenhouse and more, depending on the need. This is an "in the dirt" experience where you may be working inside or outside. Opportunities are Tuesday - Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon. We can accommodate small groups up to 10, age 16 and above, with a week of advanced notice. For more information, contact Mercer's volunteer coordinator, Jamie Hartwell, at jhartwell@hcp4.net or 713-274-4160. 

Please visit https://www.hcp4.net/parks/mercer/volunteer/to complete the Mercer Botanic Garden volunteer application which is required for all volunteers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Mercer Botanic Gardens is a Harris County operated facility. It comprises 325 acres of East Texas Piney Woods and showcases the region's largest collection of native and cultivated plants. It is also a living museum which is home to a wealth of animal life.

The role of the Mercer Ambassador is to represent Mercer to the community.  Ambassadors are friendly, welcoming individuals who like to engage with visitors of all ages, share their knowledge of Mercer and invite visitors back for future visits, events or even to volunteer.  The Ambassador program provides opportunities for students and adults to engage with garden visitors, to grow their interest to become new supporters of Mercer Botanic Gardens.

If you would like to be a Mercer Ambassador or hear more about the program, please contact Mercer's volunteer coordinator at 713-274-4160 or jhartwell@hcp4.net  Thank you!

Mercer Botanical Center Volunteers

Seeking volunteers with a strong interest in plants, who are detail-oriented, possess a working knowledge of Microsoft Office for online research, are self-starters, and can collaborate in teams. Volunteer positions include: herbarium database, herbarium restoration, sign engraver, seed preservation, garden inventory, endangered species gardener, Prairie Dawn Preserve volunteer, and conservation nursery assistant.

Flexible hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Dates and times must be scheduled with MBC staff Required commitment of three hours each session, minimum On-the-job, detailed training provided

 

Assist horticulturists with planting, grooming, pruning, weeding, and mulching. Join a plant committee and grow plants year-round for events and sales. Help with projects including plant propagation, construction, painting and more.  Please contact Colleen at 713-274-4160 for more information or Colleen.Powell@pct3.hctx.net. Thank you.

 

Introduce visitors to the beauty and wonder of Mercer’s flora and fauna. Lead groups with a maximum of 30 guests. Includes opportunities for field trips, socialization, and personal development. On-site training required. Criminal background check is required for docents leading children’s tours

Tuesday and Thursday mornings Tour times begin no earlier than 8:30 a.m. Required commitment of one-year, minimum

 

Assist the Mercer Society during specialty plant sales (usually on a Saturday) as a cashier, plant sale ticket writer, or hospitality volunteer.

The Mercer Society's pre-Father's Day online plant sale will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 13 and 14th. Volunteers will be needed June 15 - 19th to help put plant orders together for pick-up.  Contact Jamie at jhartwell@hcp4.net for more information.

The Mercer Society will host the "Amazing Plants for a Stunning Dry Garden" plant sale on Saturday, July 18th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (or sold out). Volunteer opportunities will include cashier (training required), plant sales (need to be knowledgeable about plants being sold), plant ticket writers and customer service.  Contact Jamie at jhartwell@hcp4.net for more information.

Days and times vary based on events Training provided