April is National Volunteer Month, and the volunteer season will begin at Laurelwood Arboretum on April 14 at 9 am at the arboretum’s pavilion. Volunteers are welcome to work in the park any Tuesday from now to October. Individuals are welcome anytime, and do not need to sign up in advance. They should bring water, small hand tools, and gardening gloves if they have them. Groups are asked to call 973-202-9579 to make arrangements in advance. Laurelwood Arboretum is located at 725 Pines Lake Drive West in Wayne.

In addition to gardening, there are a number of construction projects to maintain the bridges, paths, greenhouse and other structures in the arboretum. Friends of Laurelwood Arboretum (FOLA), the organization responsible for maintaining the park and managing the volunteers, also welcomes volunteers who might prefer to work offsite to join a committee or share special skills in communications, fundraising, membership development or any other area.

“Laurelwood is tended by a horticultural manager and a small gardening staff, but volunteerism is the lifeblood of Wayne’s 30-acre horticultural treasure,” said Elaine Fogerty, executive director of the arboretum. “Our volunteers prune, thin and propagate; divide and replant perennials; plant bulbs; mulch the gardens; and eliminate invasive weeds. There is always work to do, something new to learn and someone new to meet,” she said.

FOLA volunteers include students, scouts, corporate groups, Passaic County Master Gardeners and private citizens of all ages. For further information about volunteering and to be directed to the area that best fits your needs, interests and talents, please send an email to info@laurelwoodarboretum.org or call 973-202-9579.