Allerton’s generous volunteers help serve our visitors, preserve the Natural Areas, and improve this spectacular space for future generations. Volunteering provides Allerton with necessary and desired assistance, while giving the community opportunities to learn new skills, meet like-minded people, and have a direct impact on the Park.
Opportunities exist in the following areas:
Tour Guide
Create a memorable and educational experience for visitors by sharing the history and interesting facts of the gardens, Mansion, or Natural Areas.
Visitor Center Volunteer
Available to answer FAQs, connect visitors with resources, and make recommendations about what to see and do at the park, volunteers at the McCraw Family Visitor Center are an important first interaction at the park for new and returning visitors alike.
Formal Gardens
Plant, water, weed, and prune to keep Allerton’s 14 formal gardens looking their best. “Adopt a garden” to care for a specific garden more extensively.
Trail Steward
Keep Allerton’s 14 miles of hiking trails safe and usable: pick up litter, remove small obstructions, and report conditions that need immediate staff attention.
Programs & Special Events
Be a part of our community engagement efforts, helping with various tasks to ensure a successful and enjoyable event.
Outreach Group Involvement
Join the Allerton Allies, a group dedicated to preserving the Natural Areas holding monthly workdays.
The Allerton Park Photography Group takes photos of the Park and special events, contributing to our marketing efforts, and members will learn new photography skills along the way.
If gardening is more your style, join the Ladies Against Weeds group to help keep the gardens looking beautiful.
Office Assistant
Assist with clerical office duties – this can even be done from home!
To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the Park, please visit our Illini GivePulse website.
New volunteers should plan to attend a Volunteer Orientation. Find upcoming dates on the event calendar.
If you have any questions or need assistance, contact Sarah at sputman2@illinois.edu or call 217-333-3287.
Volunteer Waiver & Release (PDF)
The Volunteer Newsletter has been created to keep volunteers engaged and up-to-date on “all things Allerton,” including upcoming opportunities and trainings.
