Wednesday, 4/22, is Earth Day, and Friday, 4/24, is Arbor Day. We are offering more opportunities this week to enjoy quality time in the garden. Please schedule in advance to reserve parking (use online links below, or text/call 978-887-4202).
April 24, Arbor Day: Arboretum Nite Lite Stroll/Dance, 7pm-8:30pm
Therapeutic movement activity is free to participate. Donations welcome. All abilities & ages welcome.
Max group size is 25, representing 25 trees labeled in our Arboretum. Car pooling recommended (5 cars with 5 people would be great! 10 cars is capacity)
Save your spot! Text/call: 978-887-4202 (Mary).
7:00 Arrive/park/check-in (bring your own flashlight or a headlamp)
7:30 Sunset… Choose dance props; Stroll/dance begins!
8:00 Stroll/dance ends! Return dance props; Gather together for a quick chat/social time
8:30 Depart
Save your Spot! EARTH WEEK TOURS! April 21 and 23, 10:30am and 5:30pm
Save your Spot! T/Th Garden Rx, 1-4pm
Our New Weekly Thursday Social, 1-4pm, inside our Caretaker’s Cottage, helps heal social isolation while cultivating personal joy and interpersonal friendships.
Save your Spot! Thursday Social
Growing our Volunteers
Leadership on the Board • In the Garden • At the Office • In the Community • At Social Programs
We are now recruiting Volunteers who wish to join the ROSE-CARE team!; meet-up with other rose-lovers and care for 100+ wheelchair-friendly rose plants each week.
If interested, contact our Volunteer Coordinator
Growing our Staff (Thank you, Donors, for funding job opportunities!)
STILL OPEN:
Community Liaison — Our priority is hiring a warm, friendly, extrovert who enjoys making connections. A sales, marketing or development background is helpful but not required. $20/h., 10 hrs./wk.
Job Flyer: Community Liaison
Job Description: Community Liaison
Job Application: RSR TEAM
Growing our Volunteer Board
Here are the board needs by priority:
1. Nonprofit Finance, CPA/CFP — You can review and sign off on our annual nonprofit tax filings (Form 990) and who would be willing to step in to manage the books & payroll if an emergency ever required it.
2. Connections/Referrals Mentor — You have a professional background in sales/marketing, or nonprofit outreach. You wake up and connect people ~ that is your talent, and you would love to mentor our board and staff.
3. Development/Fundraising Mentor — You have a background in nurturing relations with major donors, raising funds, hosting events, and writing grants. You look forward to assisting us successfully organize and host a first gala event.
4. Estate Lawyer (MA Real Estate Law, Environmental Law) — The Ranch sits adjacent to wetlands. As we expand our accessible trail system and garden infrastructure, we need someone familiar with real estate law and environmental regulations governing construction near wetland environments in Massachusetts.
5. IT/Tech Mentor — As RSR grows its donor base and guest programs, technology infrastructure becomes a critical operational backbone. An IT mentor will help the team build systems that scale with the organization.
6. ADA Compliance Mentor — Accessibility is a core RSR value — and a legal and ethical obligation as the campus grows. An ADA mentor ensure every expansion decision, from trail design to building construction, meets the highest standards. You will also serve as a key advocate and community educator… how better access improves quality of life for so many.
7. Arboretum Mentor — RSR achieved Level 1 ARBnet Accessible Arboretum accreditation December 2025. A mentor in this area will help develop the arboretum’s programming, maintenance standards, and funder relationships in the botanical community.
Interested in one of these roles? We’d love to hear from you! Email Volunteer Coordinator, or follow these steps:
Path to Board Leadership
- Visit: Once or many times to gain a sense of leadership, current volunteers, and guests. Do your goals align with our passion and purpose?
- Volunteer: Get in touch with the Volunteer Coordinator
- Try: Make a short-term commitment weekly or monthly. Test the commute, the new time investment and energy required.
- Apply: Ready to step into a board service role? Let us know, and we’ll bring your application to a board vote.
- Join: Once officially voted in, you will start to lead and mentor in the area you are most comfortable.
Board Commitment Overview
Time Commitment: Approximately 10-20 hours/month, including meetings, committee work, and organizational engagement. Opportunities for hands-on involvement (programs, events, outreach, office) are available based on your skills, interests and availability.
Meetings: Once-a-month zoom, 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm, 60-90 minutes; Finance committee meets via Zoom, 2nd Tuesdays. Quarterly onsite retreat, 2 hours (scheduled to accommodate work schedules).
Term: One-year introductory period, after which the board votes on full membership. Terms are renewable annually. Board members may serve as officers.
Fundraising: Board members serve as ambassadors — sharing RSR’s story, making a personally meaningful annual gift, and helping open doors to potential supporters, partners, and funders.
