Blog Post

So You Want To Be A Butterfly House Volunteer

Cathee Giagnacovo ‘13 • Jun 14, 2021

The Norfolk Botanical Garden (NBG) Butterfly House (BH) opens June 18 and will remain open daily from 10AM-7PM until the end of September.

Volunteer shifts are posted on the Volunteer Hub calendar in 2-hour blocks starting at 9:45AM. The last shift is 4:45PM. The calendar is on the NBG website and signing up for shifts is done online.

If you are a new volunteer, access to the Volunteer Hub will be created after you have notified Diana Kellam by email at volunteer@nbgs.org that you have viewed training videos parts 1 and 2 and are a new BH volunteer.

Part 1:
https://youtu.be/c-30hnN6LfQ
Part 2:
https://youtu.be/Ece7PQ4aV78

Returning volunteers also need to notify her that you have completed viewing the videos. Your ability to use the calendar to sign up for shifts remains intact. Diana will use the emails to send out a brief quiz that every volunteer is being asked to complete and return before their first shift.

Being a BH docent can be a wonderful volunteer experience. Visitors young and old are delighted to be there and ready to soak up everything you can tell them and show them.

Here are some tips from experienced volunteers to make your time in the BH a rewarding one for you:

1. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your shift begins so that you have time to look around and see what’s new. Check out the red ribbon trail. Be familiar with the nectar and host plants and find the books there to help you.

2. Be sure to bring a filled reusable water bottle. Know where the restrooms are.

3. Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Do not wear bug repellent.

4. A fanny pack will help keep your keys and phone handy. Lock your valuables in your car.

5. Be familiar with the tram schedule and ride it to and from the BH.

6. Wear a SMILE. Initiate interactions and show visitors the things they may not see by themselves (like eggs and caterpillars) YOU can make the difference in their experience.

7. Let the children teach you something. You’ll be amazed at what they know.

8. If you are on a shift with an experienced docent watch them interact with the guests and listen. Everyone did this for the first time and felt as unsure and nervous as you might.

9. Wear your Master Gardener badge and lanyard and don’t forget to count those contacts!

10. Ask questions. Get to know the Butterfly Society volunteers.

11. HAVE FUN. A guest once said she felt like she was walking inside Mary Poppins’ head. Take that magical walk yourself.