Thank You, Fells Volunteers!

Become a Volunteer

Volunteering is a Fells tradition. It began with a small group of passionate volunteers in 1988 and over the years the ranks of Fells volunteers have ebbed and flowed with approximately 180 dedicated individuals. Fells volunteers are active, dynamic and creative individuals who possess the time, talent, and expertise to help further our vision of the John Hay Estate at The Fells.

Interesting opportunities await in horticulture, interpretive programs, preservation, development and special events. To learn more about Volunteer Opportunities at The Fells, please join us for the following upcoming Volunteer Events:

First-Time Volunteer Information Session

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

5:30pm-6:30pm

Do you love nature, history, and giving back to your community? If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be part of The Fells volunteer community, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more. We’ll introduce the John Hay Estate, review the 2026 calendar of events, and highlight the many ways you can get involved this season. Everyone is welcome—bring a friend and explore the ways you can join in. The session meets at the Gatehouse, and while advance registration is encouraged, walk-ins are always welcome. To learn more or to RSVP, please email outreach@thefells.org

Volunteer Welcome Reception

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

3:00pm-5:00pm

Join us for a Volunteer Welcome Reception, open to all new and returning volunteers at The Fells. You will have the chance to meet and mingle with fellow Fells volunteers and learn about the 2026 season of exciting events. We’ll review the many ways you can get involved this season and highlight some of the fun and rewarding opportunities for volunteers. Everyone is welcome - bring a friend. The reception will be held in the Pavilion (weather permitting), and while advance registration is encouraged, walk-ins are always welcome. For more information or to RSVP, please email outreach@thefells.org

Volunteer Opportunities

Have an interest in History? Volunteer Docents lead daily historic tours of the Main House. Docents are provided with training and Docent manuals by the Education Department staff.
If meeting and greeting people is your strong suit, then working in the Main House could be just for you. Open seasonally Memorial Day weekend through October, volunteer Greeters are needed to welcome visitors to the Main House, answer questions and assist guests in our Welcome Center.
Want to help out with our Signature Events? We are currently recruiting volunteers for Artists Weekend, Fairy Festival, and Hay Day.
Volunteers also work on special fundraising events, like our Plant Sale and biennial Auction. Every year we recruit scores of volunteers to plan, coordinate and staff our Christmas at The Fells event (CATF).
If you’d like to volunteer for any of these events, please email Malissa Butkovich at outreach@thefells.org
Do you like getting dirty and digging in the earth? There are positions for garden volunteers to assist our horticultural staff Wednesday and Friday mornings from April through October. Volunteer Garden Docents are also needed to lead daily tours of the gardens and grounds.
Are you a “jack-of-all-trades?” We rely on handy men and women to help maintain our historic buildings and service our machines and equipment. Join our Tuesday morning crew or sign up to be on-call.
Do you enjoy teaching or have special knowledge in horticulture or ecology?
Our Education Department needs volunteers who will host programs, including preparing meeting space, setting-up, breaking down, speaker presentations and other hosting needs.
For volunteers with an interest in learning, our Education Department also needs help with historical research, archiving, organizing resources, cataloguing and writing.
The Education Department also needs help with installing, monitoring and taking down historical and art exhibits in the Main House.
Volunteers work behind the scenes in our Gatehouse office where our small year-round staff is often in need of help with special projects. Flexible hours are available and computer skills are desirable but not mandatory.