Volunteer with Us!

You Can Help Us Save the Pollinators,
One Native Garden at a Time!



WHO WE ARE

Rochester Pollinators is a mission-driven, volunteer-based grassroots organization.

Together with our amazing volunteers, we’re making a real difference in our city and the surrounding area by creating and restoring native habitats for pollinators. To learn more about our story, mission, and work, see: About the Pollinators.

OUR IMPACT

  • Supported or planted seven public gardens in Rochester that are either 100% native or feature a significant number of native perennials.

  • Raised awareness about the challenges pollinators face and the importance of restoring native habitats to protect them.

  • Helped the City of Rochester become one of only four U.S. cities (2022–2024) recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Monarch Champion City.

  • Assisted neighboring communities in developing their own native planting and pollinator plans.

 

VOLUNTEER WITH US:

  • Our busiest volunteer season runs from May through December.
    Volunteer shifts usually last 2–3 hours and take place on weekends or evenings, with a few exceptions.
  • No experience is necessary — we’ll provide all the tools, guidance, and encouragement you need!
  • Each new volunteer receives a Rochester Pollinators T-shirt to wear proudly at events.

Low-Pressure, High-Impact Volunteering

We’re a no-pressure organization. When new opportunities arise, we’ll email details and a link to SignUpGenius. You can pick what fits your schedule — and if you can’t make it this time, that’s perfectly okay. There will always be more ways to help!

Examples of Volunteer Events:

Seasonal Events

Spring and Fall Plant Sales – Help pack seed and plant orders, assist at our farmers market table, and share your enthusiasm for native plants with the community.

Community Outreach

Event Tabling – Join us at events like Blake’s Lavender Festival, Dinosaur Hill River Days, and the Rochester Hills Public Library to share educational resources, sell pollinator-friendly merchandise, and inspire others to protect our native ecosystems. Habitat Stewardship

Public Garden Maintenance – Lend a hand tending native gardens at the Rochester Hills Public Library, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, and Avon Cemetery Garden. You’ll help keep these spaces thriving and beautiful for both people and pollinators.

Ecological Restoration

Invasive Plant Removal – Help restore native habitat by removing invasive species along the Clinton River and at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve.

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION

Each year, we gather at Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve for our Annual Volunteer Pizza Party — a chance to celebrate our accomplishments, enjoy good company, and reflect on another successful year of making Rochester a pollinator haven.

See below for photos from one of our Volunteer Parties and a snapshot of 2025 of everything we achieved together.

We always have plenty of new opportunities!

 If you are interested in volunteering with Rochester Pollinators, please fill out the form in Contact Us. We will send a welcome note and add you to our list.