We love our Volunteers.
Join us!

Volunteer Friends are vital to our organization and community, and we couldn’t keep Peninsula Park Rose Garden so beautiful without them. Register to become a Volunteer Friend and we will regularly email you event opportunities to join us in the garden.

Off-Season Volunteer Events

UPDATE: April - May opportunities: The Friends will be hosting weekly pruning, weeding and planting events every Friday, starting April 17th, from 9:00 am to Noon.

Peak-Season Volunteer Events

June - August deadheading: enjoy a relaxing morning deadheading roses in the garden during the summer season. We will announce the official date soon.

Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 AM - NOON

Check our Events page regularly for all the Penrose happenings.

Ready to register?

Please check out the below FAQs and details on how to sign-up.

If you are thinking about or would like to join us for the fist time as a volunteer, it’s simple.

1. Check out our volunteer events page and find an event date you would like to attend.

2. Show up to the garden and check in with one of the Friends of Penrose Board Members.

3. We will have fill out a first-time volunteer registration form and give you instructions on how to join Track It Forward, our volunteer tracking system.

4. Start gardening with us and have fun!

Ready to join us? Check out out Events pagef or upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Still not sure, check out our Volunteer FAQs section below, or contact us.

1. What should I wear?

   We prune rain or shine so please dress for the weather. We recommend loose clothing that will keep you warm/cool and dry (like dry fit material). Long pants and long sleeves are highly recommended. Closed-toe sturdy shoes or garden boots are required. Many wear hats and sunglasses on sunny days. Expect to get dirty.

2. Do I need to bring my own tools or gloves?

   No, the Friends of Penrose provides all of the necessary tools. You are welcome to bring your own gardening gloves and pruning shears, but please remember them before you leave. Many bring water bottles and sunscreen.

3. Can children volunteer?

   Please send us a DM if you have questions about youth volunteering.

4. Do I have to come the entire three hours on pruning days?

   We realize that not everyone can stay for the entire 3 hour window. Please come for 1, 2 or 3 hours. Whatever works for you!

5. I don’t know anything about pruning roses, will someone train me on what to do?

   One of our on-site Board Members will train you on the proper way to deadhead a rose bush. We’re here to help and have some fun!

6. Why do I need to track my hours on Track It Forward?

   In cooperation with Portland Parks and Recreation, we track and report volunteer hours every season. We utilize Track It Forward to communicate upcoming events, volunteer outreach opportunities and keep track of the hours we spend in the garden.

7. Can I schedule a group to Volunteer at the rose garden?

   Yes! Friends of Penrose events are excellent ways for groups to learn team-building skills, have fun together and make a difference in the community. Contact us for more information on how to schedule a group during peak-season.

Email us: volunteer@penrosefriends.org

When you provide your email address, we will also add you to our Track It Forward service, which lets you track your volunteer hours. This is also how we notify you of events, like volunteer days, cancellations, or weather events. When we add you to Track It Forward, you'll receive an email with a link to sign in to your new account and to set a password.

If you have trouble with Track It Forward, don't sweat it. Just come to the garden and one of us will help you get set up.

You can use the form in the footer of this page to sign up for our general mailing list, as well.