Other Volunteer Opportunities

This page has been updated as of  February 16, 2024.  If any information is inaccurate, please contact comm@indymcmga.org with correct information.

If there is an organization that you currently volunteer at that is not listed below and want to add that organization to our listing of Volunteer Opportunity Sites; you will need to first check with Carey Grable (cagrable@purdue.edu) to see if you will be able to earn Master Gardener Volunteers hours working at this new site.  If given the OK from Carey, please send volunteer site information (Organization name, address, website (if one), contact name, email and phone #, and MG contacts if any) to comm@indymcmga.org.

Master Gardeners volunteer at and/or with the following:
* Indicates those opportunities with Weekend or Evening options

* Boulevard Place Food Pantry
4202 Boulevard Place
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Master Gardeners are needed for individual shifts during the growing season, for 1-2 hours per week to keep the planted areas in good order. We hope to have gardeners there for 1-2 hours each day the pantry is open.  Open hours (when hoses and water are available) are Tuesday, 7:30-10:30 AM; Wednesday, 10 AM-Noon; Thursday 10AM-12 and 2-4 PM, and Saturday 9 AM-Noon. There would also be opportunities on Sunday, Monday and Friday.  We get together to plan and do a spring and fall clean up together.   Volunteers should bring their own tools (a hose and connection are available on site).
Contact: Mark Varnau
Phone: 317.846.8885 (h), 317.727.4482 (m)
E-mail: markvarnau@att.net

CoCoRaHS (Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network)
6900 W. Hanna Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46241-9526
Website: http://www.cocorahs.org
Contact: Andrew White
E-mail: Andrew.j.white@noaa.gov

Community Gardens Volunteering – Marion County
Purdue Extension Contact: Jayde Grisham
Email: jmgrish@purdue.edu
Phone:  317-275-9274
Community Gardens Current Listing
(Spreadsheet contains Location, Address, Contact, Email, & Phone Number) 

*Downtown Indy, Inc. (unconfirmed & info may not be current)
Salesforce Tower
111 Monument Circle, Suite 250
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Website: www.downtownindy.org
Volunteer Web Page: www.downtownindy.org/volunteer
Contact :  Joshua Pruitt, Director of Operations
Phone:  317-237-2201
Email: josh@downtownindy.org
Contact: Tim Boruff
Phone: 317-237-2210
Email: tim@downtownindy.org

Early Learning Indiana (unconfirmed & info may not be current)
Is looking for assistance with their gardening program. They are looking for advice on gardening practices, as well as help with teaching children about Gardening. Extension Master Gardeners working with minors will need to complete a short certification. To begin the certification process, visit: this Link.  The first screen in the survey gives you the option to download the content needed to answer the questions correctly and will prompt you to enter your name, County, and area(s) of volunteer activity within Purdue Extension in order to continue. At the bottom of the screen, you will need to click “Next” in order to advance to the next screen. This is a forced answer quiz, so you won’t be able to continue until you’ve answered all of the questions correctly (a red error message will appear above the question if you’ve answered it incorrectly). The survey will allow Purdue Extension to track the completion of the certification by volunteers. The average completion time is about 15 minutes. 
Email: natalieb@earlylearningindiana.org
See flyer for more details.

Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
500 West Washington Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2707
Website: www.eiteljorg.org
Contact: Rachel Noll, Volunteer Coordinator
Office: 317-275-1325
E-mail: rnoll@eiteljorgcom
Contact: Ian Porter
Phone: 317-847-2387

Hope Center Indy
Volunteer opportunity in the gardens at Hope Center Indy, “a nationally recognized organization on the east side of Indianapolis focused on the healing and aftercare of women overcoming sex trafficking, sexual exploitation, sexual trauma, addictions and other life-dominating issues.” https://www.hopecenterindy.org/
Adopt-A-Garden Flyer

*Indiana Governor’s Residence
4750 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Website: www.in.gov/gov/governors-residence/  
Contact: Carey Grable, Purdue Extension
Office: 317-275-9290; Cell: 270-348-1494
E-mail: cagrable@purdue.edu
This volunteer activity at the Governor’s Residence began early in 2005 when the First Lady’s Chief of Staff contacted the Extension office for help. A “Centennial Garden” planting was established in 2014 to commemorate Extension’s 100-year anniversary. 

Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
7725 North College Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Contact: Carmen Breedlove – Horticulture Teacher   
E-mail: cbreedlove@isbvik12.org
MG Contact: Amy Barnes
Phone: 317-446-5145
E-mail: amybarnescoach@gmail.com

Indiana Medical History Museum (Medicinal Plant Garden)
3270 Kirbride Way
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Website: www.imhm.org/
MG Contact: Kathleen Hull
Phone: 317-996-4380
E-mail: hullk@ccrtc.com
Wednesday Mornings – gardening work

*Indianapolis Animal Care Services
2600 S. Harding St.
Indianapolis, IN 46221
Website:  www.indy.gov (click on Animal Control)
MG Contact:  Marie Koenig
Phone:  317-509-0525
E-mail:  koenigmarie55@gmail.com

*Indianapolis Public Library: Seed-Library
More info on the Seed Library:
Website: https://www.indypl.org/services/seed-library
Contact: Wendy Johnson, CVA
Volunteer Engagement Specialist
Indianapolis Public Library
E-mail: wjohnson@indyPL.org
Phone: 317-275-4049
Jill Edwards, Program Specialist
E-Mail: jedwards@indypl.org
Phone: 317-275-4085

Indianapolis Zoo
1200 W. Washington Street
P.O. Box 22309
Indianapolis, IN 46222-0309
Website: www.indianapoliszoo.com
Volunteer Web Page: www.indianapolis.com/jobs-volunteer
Contact: Office of Volunteer Services
Phone: 317-630-2193
E-mail: volunteer@indyzoo.com
MG Contact: Judy Turner
E-mail: hokiehog72@yahoo.com 

*Indy Parks
Information about specific parks where Master Gardeners volunteer:
Master Gardeners who volunteer regularly at other city parks should inform Carey Grable so the park can be added to this page.

        *Broad Ripple Park
        1550 Broad Ripple Avenue
        Indianapolis IN 46220
        Website: https://www.broadripplepark.org/

• • Friends of Broad Ripple Park Native Plant and Woodland Activities:  Contact Tom McCain, tom@crittur.com 
  • Seasonal Community Clean Out/Weeding Days in the Native Pollinator Garden.  Contact: MG Kate Hart, kate.hart.317@gmail.com for schedule and orientation
  • 10 Acre Wood Spring Garlic Mustard Pulls.  Contact: Tom McCain, FBRP President, tom@crittur.com for schedule

*Eagle Creek Park
7840 W 56th Street
Indianapolis IN 46254
Website: https://www.indy.gov/activity/about-eagle-creek-park
Contact: Anne Cecere, Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: (317) 327-7123
Email: Anne.Cecere1@indy.gov
*Invasive Species Strike Team meets the 2nd Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – noon, April-November at the Ornithology Center. You do not need to be an Eagle Creek Park Volunteer to attend. Supervised by Brenda Howard of Land Stewardship. Please contact her for details.
Email: Brenda.Howard@indy.gov

Garfield Park
2505 Conservatory Dr.
Website: www.garfieldgradensconservatory.org
Contact: Dustin Fitzgerald, Exterior Horticulturist
Phone: 317-327-7404
E-mail: dustin.fitzgerald@indy.gov

Holliday Park
Website: http://hollidaypark.org/
MG Contact: Pat Brummer
Phone: 317-544-8206
E-mail: pwbrummer@sbcglobal.net
Holiday Park Garden and Grow Workshops Fridays, April through October 9 AM – 11AM

*Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc.
1029 E. Fletcher Ave. Suite 100
Indianapolis, IN 46203
Website: www.kibi.org/
Volunteer Web Page: www.kibi.org/volunteer
Contact: Keily Conchas, Manager of Volunteer Programs
Phone: 317.960.4347
Office:  317.264.7555 ext 127
E-mail: kconchas@kibi.org

*Lucille Raines Residence
947 N. Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Contact: Carolyn Marshall, Executive Director
Phone: 317-636-3328
E-mail: cmarshall@sprintmail.com

*Morris-Butler House
1204 N. Park Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Website: www.indianalandmarks.org
(Indiana Landmarks is the not for profit that operates the Morris-Butler House)
MG Contact: Kasey Zronek
Phone: 317-822-7950
E-mail:  kzronek@indianalandmarks.org

Mud Creek Conservancy
(Includes Sargent Road Nature Park), 82^nd Street and Sargent Road
Contact: Benjamin Miller, President, Mud Creek Conservancy
Phone: 317-964-3044
Email: MCConservancy@gmail.com
Website: MudCreekConservancy.org

*Newfields (formerly Indianapolis Museum of Art)
Indianapolis Museum of Art, Lilly House, The Garden, Elder Greenhouse, The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park, & Miller House and Garden
4000 Michigan Road
Indianapolis IN 46208-3326
Website: www.discovernewfields.org
Volunteer Web Page: www.discovernewfields.org/give-and-join/volunteer
Contact: Kelly Korte – Horticulture Volunteer Trainer and Manager
Phone: 317-923-1331 ext. 554
E-mail: kkorte@discovernewfields.org
MG Contact: Sue Arnold
E-mail: falarn@indy.net
Saturday & Sunday – Garden Guides for public tours
Training – Thursday evenings, April-October
 Monday – Saturday- Horticulture Volunteer in the Garden and Art & Nature Park. Work alongside Horticulture Staff & Volunteers, March – October

Nina Pulliam EcoLab at Marian University
3200 Cold Spring Road
Indianapolis, IN 46222
Website: www.marian.edu/ecolab
Contact: Dr. David Benson
Phone: 317-955-6028
E-mail: dbenson@marian.edu

*Nora Community Garden
465 E. 86th St. 
Indianapolis, IN 46240
Contact: Kitty Beckman, Executive Director
Email: helpingsofhopeindy@gmail.com
Nora Community Garden managed by Helpings of Hope, Inc. is looking for Master Gardener volunteers to work in the donation garden during the 2023 garden season from April through October. Hours are flexible and we host a weekly community garden night for volunteers and gardeners. 
Duties include:
     Work with the executive director in crop planning, growing vegetable starts, opening the garden for the season.
     Work with the immigrant/refugee community gardeners to provide technical assistance, garden education and mentorship to a variety of people from various walks of life.
     Work with community volunteers to maintain 40x 50ft fenced donation garden/farm stand garden that has ten raised garden beds as well as, raised garden space around the perimeter—this will include: weeding, planting, watering, harvesting, fertilizing vegetables/produce, preparing for market or donation and transportation to Northside Mission Food Pantry at Second Presbyterian Church.
     Proper sanitation of produce, packaging and transportation of produce to the farm stand or donation location.
      Assist with end of season garden clean-up and winter preparations—plant cover crops.
If interested and/or have any questions,  please feel free to contact Kitty Beckman, Executive Director at helpingsofhopeindy@gmail.com.

Paramount Schools
1203 E. St. Clair Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Contact: Danielle Randles
E-mail: drandles@psoecottagehome.org
Paramount Schools is looking for weekly volunteers to help in their gardens and greenhouse from April to September during school hours on weekdays. Tasks may include seeding, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, mulching, building structures, setting up irrigation, pruning, washing, and more. Our urban farm locations (Brookside and Cottage Home) are located on the near east side of Indy where we grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and natives. Please contact Danielle Randles, secretary of the Garfield Park Master Gardeners Association and Farm Manager at Paramount Schools Cottage Home, with any questions at drandles@psoecottagehome.org. A background check is required.

*Pathway to Water Quality at the Indiana State Fairgrounds
1202 E. 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
Chairperson: Kathleen Hagen
Contact:  Sara Peel, Volunteer Coordinator
Phone:  765-337-9100
Email: pathwaytowaterquality@gmail.com
Evening and weekends during the Indiana State Fair

President Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
1230 North Delaware Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Website: www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org/
Volunteer Web Page: www.presidentbenjaminharrison.org/give/volunteer
Contact: Grace – Volunteer & Relationship Coordinator
Phone:  317-632-5472
MG Contact: Ken Hottell
Phone: 317-250-5760
E-mail:  Kendallhottell@gmail.com

Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana (RHI)
Enabling and Healing Garden
4141 Shore Drive (I-465 and W. 38th Street)
Indianapolis, IN 46254
Website: www.rhin.com
Contact: Karen Lawrence
Phone: 317-329-2020
E-mail: karen.lawrence@rhin.com

Rivera Club Foundation
5640 North Illinois Street 
Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
Website: www.rivi.org
Contact: Executive Director Danielle Wolfe 
Phone: 317-294-3576
E-mail: director@rivifoundation.org 
MG Contact: Rita Hupp
Phone: 317-908-3963
E-mail: rita.hupp@att.net

Ronald McDonald House of Indiana, Inc
435 Limestone Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202-2819
Website: www.rmhccin.org
Contact: Arielle Hirt, Volunteer Resources Manager
Phone: 317-267-0605, Ext. 225
E-mail: ahirt@rmhccin.org
Contact: Patti Cooper
Phone: 317-267-0605, Ext 205
Email: pcooper@rmhccin.org
MG Contact: Cathy Plump
E-mail: cathode78@gmail.com 

St. Alban’s Peace Garden
4601 Emerson
Indianapolis, IN
Contact:  Joan Trendell
Email: jmtrendell713@gmail.com
Community garden that donates produce to The Community Cupboard of Lawrence food pantry.
The Peace Garden work days are Mondays from 4:30-6:30 pm
Saturday work days are from 10 am – Noon on these dates:
June 29  July 27  August 24  September 28
Tasks involve planting, harvesting, other maintenance needs.

St. Augustine’s Home for the Aged
(Organic Kitchen Garden)
2345 W. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46260
MG Contacts: Shirley Ulicni
Phone: 317-258-8683
E-mail: magic_46060@yahoo.com
Please type “St. Augustine’s Garden” in subject line of e-mail.

USS Liberty Memorial Garden
2701 E Riverside Dr.
Indianapolis, IN
Contact: Gordon Dempsey
Phone: 317-925-8000
Email: gdempseypc@aol.com