There are many ways in which you can become involved at Wing Haven, and you always have the opportunity to give a little—or a lot—of your time. 

As you look over the following program descriptions, please feel free to call the Wing Haven office at 704-331-0664 if you have any questions—or if you’d like to join our group of volunteers.

NURSERY SHOP
Our Nursery Shop stocks a variety of "hard-to-find" plant materials—shrubs, herbs, perennials, bulbs, ground covers, and antique roses.

Shop volunteers have the unique opportunity to get their hands dirty and learn from the experts. The shop is open on Wednesday mornings.

"Regulars" assist in organizing, potting and labeling plants in preparation for our Fall and Spring Plant Sales. 

During the winter months, the Nursery volunteers meet for gardening classes in the Education Building at Wing Haven. (Tea and cookies are provided!) Volunteers may also elect to work as cashiers or sales assistants during our spring and fall shop weeks.

DOCENT PROGRAM
Our Wing Haven Docents serve as tour guides for groups visiting the garden. Our volunteer docents have a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Wing Haven—our history, birds and plants—and to share that knowledge with others. 

We offer tours year-round; however, most of our tours are conducted in March, April and May. Approximately 95% of the groups touring the garden are school children. We also have groups from garden clubs and retirement homes. Typically, our docents volunteer one morning per month and will guide two groups through the garden between the hours of 9 am and noon.

HOST/HOSTESS
Our Hosts and Hostesses introduce visitors from near and far to Wing Haven and the Clarksons. There is always a host or hostess in the house during our regular visiting hours—Sunday afternoons from 2 to 5 PM, Tuesday afternoons from 3 to 5 PM, and Wednesday mornings from 10 AM to noon—and during shop week. In general, volunteers work during a regular time slot each month; however, you may choose to be on call as a substitute.

PEEPS (Preschool Environmental Education Program)
During the academic year children from a number of inner-city schools in the Charlotte Preschool Alliance are participate in our Preschool Outreach.  The curriculum is literacy-based, and each class meeting follows this format: circle time and story, garden walk, and hands-on activity. 

Throughout the year, the programs teach simple lessons about the seasons and let students experience first hand the changes that each month brings to the garden. This is always a rewarding volunteer experience!

CHILDREN’S PROGRAM
Our Children’s Committee plans special events for our members’ children—Wing Haven’s chickadees and cardinals. 

In general, the committee plans 3 or 4 seasonal events each year. Our year concludes with our annual holiday tree decorating for the birds.

GARDENERS' GARDEN TOUR
Get to know the best gardens in Charlotte: Volunteers on this committee assist with the planning, publicity, and organization of our very successful May garden tour.

Gardeners Needed…No experience required!
Looking for a unique gardening opportunity? Help the Wing Haven Garden spruce up the garden for spring. This is a great opportunity to hone your gardening skills as you work in our rose and herb gardens with experienced gardeners. Please call Dia at 331-0664 for additional information.

HOSPITALITY
The Hospitality Committee plans Wing Haven parties and events—shop week, our Member-Guest Program, our Patrons’ Party and the holiday program.. If you would like to help with our events: planning, set-up, food, flowers, clean-up, please call.

MEMBERSHIP
Our membership committee is responsible for our annual membership drive, and volunteers help assemble and organize invitations for mailing.

OFFICE ASSISTANT
Our office assistants play an important "behind-the-scenes" role at Wing Haven. The office can always use extra hands, and you may work on a regular or "as needed" basis.

PUBLICITY
Our publicity committee spreads the word about the many Wing Haven-sponsored activities and special events—shop week, garden tours, symposia, etc. Committee members assist with advertising and graphics for these events.