The Ambler Arboretum of Temple University offers weekly no-registration-required drop-in volunteer opportunities.
Simply park in Lot 1 off Meetinghouse Road
Register your vehicle
Walk across Meetinghouse Road into the main entrance of the Arboretum to the Welcome Circle where you will find details about the day's project and location.
Drop-In Volunteer Opportunities are Scheduled for:
Root Slayers Invasive Plant Removal
Mondays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
January to May 2026 (except January 19 and May 25)
Slay those scary roots with us in the Ambler Arboretum! This session is for volunteers interested in invasive plant management and brave enough to work around thorns and creeping vines. Tasks will include digging, raking, untangling vines and pruning, which will help to restore our woodlands and natural garden areas. Previous garden experience is helpful but not required. We will provide training, guidance, tools and gloves. Buckthorn and bittersweet won’t stand a chance!
Tree Thursdees
Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
January to May 2026
Speak for the trees on Thursdees! This session is for volunteers interested in helping us re-establish the campus’ tree canopy by maintaining the newest trees and shrubs in our collection and helping to plant new ones. Tasks will include digging, planting, edging, mulching, staking, caging and pruning. Previous garden experience is helpful but not required. We will provide training, guidance, tools and gloves. Make the Lorax proud!
Drop-in Volunteer Sessions
Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
January to May 2026
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
March to May 2026 (except May 23)
The session you know and love — Drop-in Volunteering! This session is for anyone interested in gardening and helping us with whatever exciting Arboretum project we are working on that day — no RSVP needed! There are tasks for all skill levels and abilities such as weeding, digging, raking, planting, shearing, edging, mulching, staking, caging and pruning. We will provide training, guidance, tools and gloves.
All of these opportunities are drop-in no registration required.
For all sessions
Tools, instructions, snacks and gloves are provided. Wear close-toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Dress in layers and remember water, sunscreen and insect repellent.
Location: 580 Meetinghouse Rd, Ambler, PA 19002. Park in Lot 1 on Meetinghouse Road. There are a chalkboard and map located in front of the Administration Building that explains where to meet for each session.
Attention: Volunteers must register their cars while on campus. There are two ways to do this. You may scan the QR code found on the signs in our parking lot or you may pre-register online here.