The Power of Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of Hilltop Arboretum. From propagating plants and preparing
for plant sales to tending the meadow, improving the grounds, and helping behind the
scenes, volunteers sustain Hilltop year after year.
Their work raises thousands of dollars for the Arboretum and saves thousands more in operating costs. Whether you love plants, enjoy hands-on projects, or prefer indoor tasks, there is a place for you at Hilltop.
Hodge Podge Nursery
The Hodge Podge Nursery carries forward Emory Smith’s tradition of sharing plants
with others. This dedicated group gathers most Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon to
propagate and pot plants, weed, water, make plant ID signs, attach price tags, and
maintain the nursery.
The morning usually ends with a potluck lunch. All are welcome—just show up to get involved.
Hodge Podge Work Days
Most Wednesdays
9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon
PlantFest and Spring Fling Plant Sales
Our spring and fall plant sales depend on months of volunteer effort. Volunteers help
select plants, inventory orders, print and attach tags, make signs, unload plants,
set up tents, manage traffic, water plants, assist customers, work the gift shop and
Yarden sale, and help with checkout.
LSU students, Scouts, and youth volunteers also assist as wagon helpers and with children's activities.
Calls for plant sale volunteers are sent through our volunteer email list.
Meadowkeepers
Community members and LSU students interested in native plants are invited to become Hilltop Meadowkeepers. Meadowkeepers help tend the meadow year-round and assist with identifying and monitoring emerging seedlings while learning more about Louisiana's native flora.
Site Work Days
Throughout the year, Hilltop hosts volunteer workdays to spread gravel, mulch trees,
remove invasive plants, clear overgrowth, install new plantings, and complete other
landscape improvement projects.
Individuals, families, students, Scouts, and volunteer groups are welcome.
Notices are shared through our volunteer email list, social media, and website.
Site-Specific Projects
Some volunteers support Hilltop through special projects and ongoing site needs. Past and current projects include maintaining the bamboo pass, bushhogging meadow edges, building nursery tables, constructing footbridges, and assisting with other improvements around the property.
If you have a skill, interest, equipment, or project idea you would like to share, let us know.
It’s Not All Outside
There are plenty of ways to help indoors, too. Volunteers assist with addressing and stuffing envelopes, copying, laminating, organizing materials, deep cleaning kitchens, and other behind-the-scenes projects.
If you prefer indoor work or need a flexible volunteer schedule, we would love to hear from you.