VOLUNTEER HANDBOOK Introduction Welcome to the North Carolina Botanical Garden (NCBG)! The NCBG has been a leader in native plant conservation and education in the southeastern United States for more than 40 years. We are known for our conservation programs, educational collections, and diverse education offerings, including native plant studies and botanical art. Our success and ability to achieve our mission and goals depends on the skills, dedication, moral support, and hard work of our volunteers. We thank you for decision to spend your valuable time at the NCBG. We look forward to getting to know you and hope you will find your work here both challenging and rewarding. Sincerely, Damon Waitt Director Elaine McManus Volunteer Manager PAGE 1 Table of Contents This handbook is designed to introduce you to the North Carolina Botanical Garden and its associated properties, which we refer to collectively as the NCBG. It will also provide a basic overview of our policies and procedures. If you have questions about your volunteer experience or need clarification on anything presented in this handbook, you are encouraged to discuss with your group leader and/or the volunteer manager. Mission and Values ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 3 Volunteer Program Goals ….………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 4 The Volunteer Experience ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 4 Volunteer Teams Benefits Orientation and Training Volunteer Break Room Security Volunteer Policies and Procedures ……………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 7 Appearance Attendance Work Environment Parking Prohibited Activities Background Checks Performance Recording your Volunteer Hours …………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 10 Safety/What to do in an Emergency ……………………………………………………………………………………. Page 12 General Information about the NCBG ………….…………………………………………………………………….. Page 20 Organization and Administration of the NCBG ………………………………………………………………… Page 22 History and Timeline ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... Page 24 NCBG Properties ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 25 PAGE 2 Mission The North Carolina Botanical Garden is part of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. We further the university's mission of teaching, research, and public service through our own mission: "To inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature." Values Join us in support of a diverse, sustainable, and environmentally friendly world through gardening, natural area conservation, and our conservation and environmental ethic. We ask you to please help us to pursue this mission in the following ways: • Reduce, recycle, reuse. Let’s come as close as we can to trash-free events by using either recyclable or compostable paper products (cups, dishes, paper) or real dishes, coffee cups, glasses, and silverware, and by composting waste. • Promote environmentally sustainable gardening by siting plants in the proper location to reduce maintenance and watering, and to eliminate use of commercial pesticides and fertilizers. • Reduce harm to natural areas by eliminating the use of invasive plants and by using non-invasive and native plants. • Reduce harm to wild populations by acquiring plants from propagated sources as promoted by our “conservation through propagation” program. Use native plant species that support native butterflies, birds, and other animal species. Support the our efforts to protect/restore natural areas and to save rare plants. For information on how your use of the NCBG can support our conservation and environmental ethic, please ask. PAGE 3 Program Goals Our overall goal for the volunteer program is to provide a fulfilling experience for volunteers while helping to further our mission of conservation and education for a diverse audience. SPECIFIC GOALS • Help satisfy the community’s desire to volunteer and give back • Deepen volunteer knowledge of our mission and goals and encourage dissemination of these in the community • Place volunteers in positions that fit their skill sets and interests • Retain volunteers by providing a pleasant, rewarding, and flexible volunteer experience • Provide a safe and respectful work environment for volunteers • Complement, supplement, and enhance the work of staff members The Volunteer Experience VOLUNTEER TEAMS Below is a list of our volunteer teams. Not all teams have openings, but if you have an interest in learning more about an area, please let the volunteer manager know. • Horticulture o Nursery/Greenhouse o Propagation o Herb garden o Habitat gardens o Children’s Wonder garden o Editors o Green gardener desk • Education o Garden Guides o Youth and Family programs o Greenbriers • Administrative o Garden shop o Reception o Library • Offsite o Green Dragons PAGE 4 o Battle Park o Mason Farm (Biological Preserve) o Piedmont Nature Trails o Carolina Campus Community Garden o Coker Arboretum o Herbarium o Wonder Connection o Horticultural Therapy (some onsite components) • Special Events BENEFITS OF BEING A VOLUNTEER There are many benefits to being a volunteer at the NCBG, including: • discounted membership ($30), which in turn brings you free seeds each spring and a 10% discount on class registration fees and the garden shop • annual all-volunteer appreciation event • interaction with people with similar interests • social activities • opportunities to learn about plants and our relationship with nature • opportunities to contribute to our conservation and environmental ethic ORIENTATION AND TRAINING • General orientation: new volunteers are required to attend an orientation session featuring an overview of NCBG operations, history, mission, policies, and organizational culture • Specialized on-the-job training: group leaders or team members provide training for the skills and knowledge you need to perform your specific assignment safely and effectively VOLUNTEER BREAK ROOM The volunteer break room is located in the main education building on the first floor by the stairwell. A refrigerator, microwave, sink, table, and lockers are available for your use. The room can also be used for volunteer meetings or for working on volunteer projects. A small supply of courtesy items are available for use while you are volunteering, including bug spray, suntan lotion, mints, cough drops, etc. SECURITY The NCBG is not responsible for lost or stolen personal property. Lockers in the volunteer break room offer a place to store your personal items if you would like to PAGE 5 secure them. Volunteers need to supply their own locks and belongings cannot be left overnight. Volunteer Program Policies and Procedures APPEARANCE All volunteers should wear a nametag identifying them as a volunteer. If you have not received a nametag, please let the volunteer manager know. (If you leave your volunteer service with us, please return the plastic sleeve so we can reuse it for other volunteers.) If you are working with the public (gift shop, reception, garden guide), you are asked to: • maintain a neat and presentable appearance • avoid casual clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, flip flops etc. If you are working outdoors please check with your group leader on appropriate attire, since this varies by location and duties. ATTENDANCE Volunteer work is critical to the achievement of our goals and therefore, dependability of our volunteers is important. If you expect to be absent, whether just for one day or for an extended period, please notify your group leader as far in advance as possible. Frequent last minute absenteeism may result in you being asked to leave your volunteer role. WORK ENVIRONMENT We are committed to being a welcoming, safe, and pleasant place for all visitors, staff, and volunteers regardless of their backgrounds, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Discrimination, harassment, threatening, rude, or disrespectful behavior towards staff, volunteers, or visitors is not tolerated. If you observe or experience this behavior, please report it to your group leader, the volunteer coordinator, or other staff members. If you yourself are engaging in this behavior, you will be asked to leave your volunteer role. PARKING You may park your vehicle in the visitor parking lot while you are volunteering. On some occasions large crowds are expected, you may be asked to park outside the back gate on Laurel Hill Road. This location will be explained to you if the need for you to park there arises. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES • Smoking (including vaping) • Possession or use of firearms or other weapons • Pets in prohibited areas PAGE 6 • Use of audio headsets for recreational purposes • Use of unauthorized motor vehicles • Sale of products or personal property • Unauthorized solicitation of support or promotion for other organizations • Distribution of unauthorized printed material • Harassment or discrimination against any volunteers, staff, or visitors BACKGROUND CHECKS Volunteers working with the public, money, sensitive populations, and/or minors will require background checks. This cost is paid by the NCBG. LIABILITY All volunteers are required to sign a liability release waiver before they volunteer for the first time. PERFORMANCE Your individual work performance is important to the success of the NCBG. Individuals who accept a volunteer position assume the responsibilities of that position and will be provided the support needed to fulfill these responsibilities. A trial period