The Arboretum is looking for dedicated, enthusiastic individuals to assist with the maintenance of the area around the visitor center.

As a lawn maintenance volunteer, you will play a crucial role in helping to keep our outdoor visitor center area well maintained and welcoming for all visitors.

Responsibilities include:

• Operating lawnmowers and weed whackers.
• Raking lawn clippings.
• Gardening and landscaping.
• Shoveling and salting walkways.

The first time slot you sign-up for will be an orientation and training will be provided. Staff will remain on site during your volunteer time. Duration listed is the time frame that the task can be done within and does not necessarily reflect the amount of time it will take to complete the task. 

If the days and times listed do not work for you, reach out to Bethany, our office manager, to discuss other times at info@vilesarboretum.org. 

Help make our Pancake Breakfast & Annual Meeting a success! 

Volunteer to help set-up, serve, or clean-up for this FREE community event that celebrates our members, volunteers, and everyone who visits the Arboretum. 

Join us for a free pancake breakfast! All members of the Viles Arboretum community are welcome. Whether you're a longtime donor, volunteer, or someone who enjoys our trails in your free time, we invite you to participate in this special event.

Gather at the Education Center to savor a delicious breakfast prepared by our dedicated staff and volunteers. After breakfast, we'll convene for our annual meeting.

Registration is not required but is helpful! All ages are welcome!

Thank you to our sponsors:

Rock City Coffee 

Maine Grains

Emery's Meat & Produce

Bacon Farm Maple Products

Humble Hen Homestead

Join us as we monitor red-backed salamanders at the Arboretum. You'll have an opportunity to check under cover boards, learn how to identify salamander species, handle them safely, measure them, and record helpful scientific data for the arboretum! By surveying red-backed salamanders, we will be providing a snapshot into the health of the arboretum’s hemlock collection. Click here to learn more.

This program is great for older teenagers and adults, but younger children are welcome to attend with their adult.

Viles Arboretum and Children's Discovery Museum are hosting it's annual Trail of Treats Halloween event, and we need enthusiastic volunteers to help create a memorable experience for all attendees! 

Event details:

• Date: October 26, 2024
• Time: 1pm-4pm
• Location: 153 Hospital Street Augusta, ME 04330

Requirements:

• Friendly Attitude
• Ability to work outdoors
• Willingness to engage with children and families
• Dressing up is not a requirement but is welcomed! 

Whether you’re looking to fulfill community service hours, enjoy the Halloween spirit, or simply want to give back to your community, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

To sign up, choose a job and time slot below!

Kuska is a type of drinking cup, traditionally crafted by the Sami people of northern Scandinavia. the perfect but for tea or coffee and a perfect gift for you or a loved one.

In class, we will use either basswood, walnut or birch woods. Crafting a wooden kuksa cup is designed for both beginners and skilled carvers alike. We will go through the vrious tools and carving techniques needed to make this cup.

This is a perfect way to spend a Friday night with a friend or just if you want to join in with fun class.

Walk away with a new Kuska cup and a skill for life.

Wild basketry is an ancient craft that involves weaving natural materials, such as grasses, leaves, wood, vines, and tree bark, into functional and decorative containers. In class, we will review how to collect, process, and create baskets with local sourced plants. Some of the material that we may use in the class are as follow: cattail, pine needle, birch bark, ash, pine bark, willow, grasses, red osier dogwood, and grapevine.

This will be an interactive and hands-on class, there will be a presentation and basket demos. Students will be given an opportunity to work with some of the material and create a basket. A PDF will be shared with information on the materials and patterns. During the 4-hour class, students will be able to create a small basket. Learn a skill for life and become a wild basket maker.

This basket will be the perfect addition to your basket collection or a great gift. Just add the bottle of wine and it will make the perfect gift for the holidays, birthday, wedding, or any occasion.

Even if you have never weaved before, fear not, as we will provide detailed step-by-step directions to guide you through the process. Crafted from quality reed both flat and half round, this basket displays durability and charm. Additionally, if desired, we can incorporate color reed into the design, offering a vibrant range of hues to choose from including blue, purple, red, green, and brown. Let your creativity soar as you infuse delightful pops of color into your very own one-of-a-kind basket.