In 2023, we dedicated the Literary Garden, where nature, gardens, and some of our favorite authors and literary works come together. It’s a collection of six unique gardens, each representing a different garden theme and a literary genre. One of our most popular garden sections is the Youth Garden.

The Youth Garden is specifically designed, planted, and maintained for children and young people. It is a botanical platform for educational and fun activities throughout the year. Last year, over 250 children visited and participated in events in this garden.

Shirlee Krantz, the Youth Activities Coordinator, works with schools and summer camps to bring kids into the Youth Garden for hands-on activities that teach them about the garden and connect them to nature. She will continue in that role, but we need to support her with a new position that manages the maintenance and care of the garden’s plants and trees.  This new position is entitled Youth Garden Lead.

As Lead, your responsibility is to keep the garden growing and looking great. This will include choosing and planting new plants, watering, weeding, and ensuring that the plants remain healthy. A small group of volunteers is available to help with these duties. You will also work with other volunteers at the Durango Botanic Gardens to complete tasks such as the annual plant inventory and suggest youth-oriented books that reflect gardening and nature to include on the Literary Garden website.  

This is one of Durango Botanic Gardens' most rewarding volunteer opportunities. Watching kids excitedly visit and learn about the natural world is fun and a great way to give back to the community.

Questions: email us at durangobotanic@gmail or call us at 970-880-4841 to learn more.