During April, Volunteer Appreciation Month gives us a chance to pause, reflect and celebrate the people who quietly power so many of the places we love. At the Garden, volunteers are the hands that prune, plant, guide, teach and uplift.
Few places embody this spirit more clearly than the Garden, where volunteers don’t just support the mission, they help sustain it.
The Impact of Volunteers at Desert Botanical Garden
The Garden’s volunteer stats in 2025 are impressive. The numbers alone tell a powerful story:
- 550 total volunteers
- 156 new volunteers welcomed this year
- 51,480 service hours contributed
That’s the equivalent of nearly 25 full-time staff members — a staggering contribution that touches every corner of the Garden’s operations.
But the impact isn’t just measured in hours. It’s measured in dedication.
Service Milestones Worth Celebrating
- 20 volunteers reached 10 years of service
- Two volunteers reached 25 years
- Two volunteers reached an incredible 30 years
And it doesn’t stop there:
- 168 volunteers have served 10–20 years
- 47 volunteers have served 20–30 years
- 14 volunteers have served 30+ years
Volunteers often work behind the scenes, quietly shaping the Garden experience. They’re the ones who greet guests with a smile, help maintain trails, support research collections and celebrate milestones.
Volunteer Appreciation Month gives us the chance to say what should be said all year long:
Thank you. Thank you for the hours, the heart, the laughter, the patience and the stewardship.
