Volunteer at Cheekwood
One of Cheekwood’s greatest assets is its outstanding community of volunteers. Volunteers play an important role at our estate, from leading tours to caring for our gardens, they’re an essential part of our operation. If you’re searching for a fun and rewarding way to serve your community, Cheekwood could be your ideal volunteer fit! We offer a variety of short and long-term assignments, flexible scheduling, many weekend opportunities, along with opportunities suitable for families, groups and/or for meeting school service requirements. We also provide generous volunteer benefits including free admission/parking, discounts at our gift shop and restaurant on the days you serve, and invitations to events. Come join this special team!
*Cheekwood does not offer court ordered community service as a volunteer opportunity.
For More Information
Contact the Volunteer Manager at [email protected] or (615) 353-6966.
Volunteer Login
Current volunteers can login to the volunteer information center.
Harvest Weekends
Volunteer Registration
Enjoy the Fall season at Cheekwood by volunteering with us! Volunteers help as greeter/way finders and in our pumpkin patch. Volunteer registration in advance is required on our online volunteer agreement/waiver. For age 16 and older.
*For more information: [email protected].
El Día de los Muertos
Volunteer Registration
Help us celebrate El Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, one of the most important celebrations in Mexico and Latin America. Each year, Cheekwood brings the traditions of Mexico and Latin America to Nashville with a festival that includes traditional music and dance, vibrant art activities, and authentic cuisine. Volunteers can support our event by helping with art activities, featured displays, the pumpkin patch and as greeter/way finders. For age 18 and older.
*For more information: [email protected].
Bruce Munro: LIGHT
Volunteer Registration
Experience the extraordinary light displays on the grounds of Cheekwood’s gardens at our Bruce Munro: LIGHT exhibition… by volunteering! Volunteers help as greeter/way finders. Online volunteer registration is required. For age 16 and older.
*For more information: [email protected].
Fall for Cheekwood
Volunteer Registration
The volunteer list is closed for this event.
For more information: [email protected].
August 2023 Garden Docent Training
Calling all garden lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, horticulturists, and lifelong learners! Here at Cheekwood, we provide a variety of garden-based guided tours for learners of all ages and skill levels who come eager to learn more about our 13 uniquely curated gardens, arboretum, and woodland sculpture trail. In order to best accommodate our visitor needs, we are seeking out passionate individuals who are interested in guiding both adult garden tours and curriculum-based school tours on topics like parts of a plant, pollinators, erosion, and tree exploration.
Our next Garden Docent class is right around the corner, with training dates beginning on August 1.
Become a docent and grow with us!
Adult Volunteer Program
Adult volunteers can be involved in a variety of fun and rewarding projects and events at Cheekwood. Opportunities include Arts and Crafts, Gardening and Horticulture, Education Programs, Camp, Visitor Greeters, Admin/Mailings, Photography and Special Projects. Volunteers support seasonal events like Cheekwood in Bloom, Great Spring Art Hunt, Classic Car Show, Cheekwood Harvest, Holiday LIGHTS, music events, and dog days. And we hold several cultural events like Black Arts Bash, Japanese Moon Viewing and El Día de los Muertos festival. Cheekwood also participates in community conservation events like 250K Tree Day and Weed Wrangle. Join, learn, meet new friends and enjoy your service experience! Volunteers must be age 18 or older for this program. A volunteer application, background check and orientation training are required before becoming a Cheekwood volunteer. For more information, email [email protected].
Family Team Volunteer Program
The Family Team Volunteer Program is a family-friendly way to offer meaningful shared volunteer service opportunities. Family Team volunteers serve Cheekwood volunteering together by greeting guests, helping at special events, with conservation and gardening related tasks, and some education or arts projects. One adult is required per child on each Family Team. In order to qualify for this program, prospective youth volunteers must be 10-17 years of age and be paired with a legal guardian or adult family member. There may be some opportunities for persons with disabilities through this program. A volunteer application and orientation training are required of both team members before becoming a Cheekwood volunteer. For more information, email [email protected].
Garden Volunteer Program
Now available weekdays and Saturday mornings! For Master Gardeners, gardening enthusiasts and anyone that wishes to come and learn! Seasonal and ongoing options are available. For more information, email [email protected].
Teen Volunteer Program
Ongoing volunteer opportunities are offered for gardening, art projects, visitor greeters and help with special events. Great for service hours and learning new skills in an inspiring environment! A volunteer application and orientation training is required before becoming a Cheekwood Teens volunteer. For teens age 16 or older. For more information, email [email protected].
Group Volunteering
Cheekwood offers a variety of engaging opportunities for groups to participate in a service project or special event. Great team building, an opportunity for shared learning, sense of achievement and rewarding service. Group options include seasonal or cultural events, arts/crafts activities or youth programs, gardening projects, and occasional special projects. Most assignments are on site. Cheekwood cannot guarantee a group service opportunity, but we will make every effort to match volunteer group applicants to volunteer opportunities based on the needs of the Cheekwood and the interests and abilities of the volunteer group. Groups wishing to explore opportunities can find out more information or fill out a Group Application and submit to [email protected].