Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions

A: Sign up online by creating a volunteer profile.

A: The volunteer newsletter is sent out every other Monday morning (with rare exceptions for holidays) to folks who are signed up as volunteers. It lists out all upcoming volunteer opportunities, as well as shares information about general Theodore Payne Foundation going-ons. You can also keep CERVIS bookmarked and check the list of upcoming opportunities at any time. In rare cases, an email invitation or notice about specific opportunities may be sent out!

A: We do not currently have specific volunteer activities for children. However, children are welcome to volunteer alongside their trusted adults. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all time. Children between 13 and 18 must have permission to volunteer from their parent or guardian. 

We encourage children and their adults to share a CERVIS profile. Once the adult has made their CERVIS profile, click Add Additional Volunteer to my Profile under the Profile Management header, and enter the information for the child(red) under your guardianship.

A: Yes, volunteers must wear long pants and closed-toe/closed-heel shoes if you’re volunteering for outdoor activities. Wear comfortable clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting a little dirty. Hats and sun protection are highly recommended.

A: Dogs are not allowed at Los Nogales Nursery or the Audubon Center at Debs Park. While they are welcome at the Sun Valley site, we ask that you please email volunteer@theodorepayne.org ahead of time to see if we can accommodate your pet while volunteering.

A: We have had several Scout Award projects on our site, including bench and water feature installations. Unfortunately, we currently lack the staff capacity to supervise these projects. 

A: Volunteers do not receive a TPF membership, but are welcome to purchase a membership. Member status does not have any effect on volunteering. Member contributions support our nursery and seed operations, educational programs and outreach programs. Memberships start at $45/year for students and seniors. A membership extends to the entire household at one address. Membership contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Members receive the following benefits:

• 10% discount on plants, seeds, and TPF gear
• 15% discount on plants, seeds, and TPF gear during sale events (in-person shopping only)
• Discounts of up to 25% on classes
• Complimentary access to Behind the Scenes Tours

A: To view and/or download a copy of your volunteer hours, click View or Print Volunteer Activity History under the Report Management header on your CERVIS homepage. Select the date range of activity you would like to view.

If you need your record in a specific format to report to your school or work, please email volunteer@theodorepayne.org.

A: Volunteers do not receive a discount on any purchases made in the nursery, including plants, seeds, merchandise, membership, or any other products sold. After select volunteer opportunities, volunteers may be invited to take one free plant from the sale section of the nursery. This is up to the discretion of the Nursery Manager and Community Engagement Manager.

A: Volunteers do not receive a discount on classes or workshops. Free training is available for active volunteers that meet the requirements and are approved by the Community Engagement Manager and Director of Public Programs. Any previous policies regarding volunteering and classes are no longer in place and do not apply.

A: Please do not collect any seeds, cuttings, plant material, or animal materials on Theodore Payne Foundation property, Audubon Center at Debs Park property, or any public lands for personal use. You may have the opportunity to participate in collections as part of a volunteer opportunity, in which case all collected materials must be gathered according to instructions provided by the supervising staff member. If you are interested in collecting material on TPF property for any purpose, please email volunteer@theodorepayne.org with information on where and what you are interested in collecting. Your request will be vetted and sent to our Director of Horticulture and Seed & Conservation Program Manager.

A: We are sometimes able to accommodate groups interested in certain volunteer activities such as removing invasive plants, weeding, or filling seed packets. Please email volunteer@theodorepayne.org.

A: Please reach out to the volunteer program first. We will do our best to ensure you can volunteer in an area that you are interested and have experience in.

A: As a non-profit organization, we are rarely able to provide plants or services pro-bono. Many of the public gardens, projects, and free to the public classes we have offered were funded via grants, donors, or other fiduciary forms. We would be more than happy to work with your organization to see what can fit in your budget.