Gardens, Grounds Management and Facilities

Garden Docent

Come share your knowledge and love of flowers and plants with others. Docents are guides who are trained to lead tours of the Leonard J. Buck Garden in Far Hills. Training is provided by Buck Garden staff to aquaint docents with the history of the garden, horticultural practices, and plant information. Guided tours for groups are most frequently requested in May and June.

  • Department: Horticulture
  • Location: Leonard J. Buck Garden, Far Hills
  • Date: Spring and fall
  • Qualifications: Gardening knowledge; successful completion of training; public speaking skills

Horticultural Assistant

Volunteers who enjoy gardening can help maintain various garden areas within the Somerset County parks. Working with the Horticulture Department staff, volunteers will help with all of the tasks required to keep the gardens in excellent condition. Planting, watering, weeding, mulching, pruning, and deadheading flowers are some of the included tasks.

  • Department: Horticulture and Environmental Science
  • Location: Buck Garden, Colonial Park Gardens, and Environmental Education Center
  • Date: Varies
  • Qualifications: Must be at least 16 years of age; must be available to work daytime hours Monday through Friday.

Invasive Strike Team Assistants

Volunteers with knowledge of invasive plant species, or an interest in learning about invasive species can help identify and remove damaging plants that take over native habitats.  Preventing and containing the spread of invasive species is vital to protecting the natural ecosystem needed for native animals to survive.  Tools and training will be provided.

  • Department: Environmental Science
  • Location: Environmental Education Center
  • Date: Varies
  • Qualifications: Must be at least 16 years of age; must be willing to work independently in the field.

Stable Assistants

Individuals with experience handling, grooming, and tacking up horses are invited to bring their skills and enthusiasm to Lord Stirling Stable.  Assist the staff with regular daily barn and horse care. It’s a great opportunity to channel your love of horses, enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise, and make a valuable contribution to a unique park.

  • Department: Lord Stirling Stable
  • Location: Lord Stirling Park
  • Date: Year round, days and evenings
  • Qualifications: Must have completed horse care workshops, summer workshop, or have equivalent experience; feel at ease around horses; minimum age 14 years; qualify with stable supervisor; follow all safety practices; interact with customers on a professional level.

Class Assistants

Experienced riders understand how very large horses appear to be when mounting up for those first few lessons.  That’s why we ask for volunteers to help novice riders get acclimated to the “horse world.” Class assistants help new students choose properly fitting helmets and footwear when they meet in the office before class; maintain safe spacing between horses on the way to the ring; and act as an extra pair of hands for instructors during the lesson.  This may include setting saddles, tightening girths, adjusting stirrups, and generally providing moral support.  If you would like to share your love of riding with newcomers to the sport, please give us a call!  

  • Department: Lord Stirling Stable
  • Location: Lord Stirling Park
  • Date: Year round, days and evenings
  • Qualifications: Must be experienced English saddle rider; minimum age 14 years; follow all safety practices.