Parks and environment volunteering
New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program
New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program is a volunteer program run by New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, NY.
- Who can join
- Not posted
- Status
- Accepting applications
- Season
- School year
- Cost
- Free
About the program
NYBG trains high school students to teach science and nature to garden visitors, with paid tiers after the first internship.
Explainers lead hands-on activities for children in the Everett Children's Adventure Garden and take part in citizen science research.
Key facts
- Run by
- New York Botanical Garden
- Where
- Bronx, NY
- Who can join
- Not postedHigh school students
- Commitment
- Four training days plus a 4.5-hour shift every Saturday or Sunday, March 20 through June 19, 2027; minimum 125 hours
- Applications
- Spring 2027 applications due Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)Deadline: November 14, 2026
- Cost
- Free; unpaid at Intern tier, paid at advanced tiers
- To apply
- Interview and group assessment
- Orientation with parent or guardian
- Four mandatory training days
- Good fit for
- Biology and Environmental Science, Education
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Explainer Program details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
More in New York City
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)
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- Who can join
- Grades 9 to 11
- When to apply
- December 4, 2026
- Prospect Park Alliance Park Youth Representatives
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- When to apply
- 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
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- Who can join
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- 2026 applications closed; check back next winter for 2027; separate SYEP application required (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
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- Who can join
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- When to apply
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- Who can join
- Ages 13 to 17
- When to apply
- Summer
| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn Botanic Garden Garden Apprentice Program (GAP)Internship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Grades 9 to 11 | March to November; 4-6 hours weekly in spring and fall, 20-25 hours weekly in summer (about 190-220 hours) | December 4, 2026 |
| Prospect Park Alliance Park Youth RepresentativesInternship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Not posted | Not posted | 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Prospect Park Alliance Woodlands Youth CrewInternship · Parks and environment | Brooklyn, NY | Not posted | Not posted | 2026 applications closed; check back in early 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Wave Hill Forest ProjectInternship · Parks and environment | Bronx, NY | 16 and up | Full summer program | 2026 applications closed; check back next winter for 2027; separate SYEP application required (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| ASPCA Adoption Center Youth Volunteers (ages 16-17)Volunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | New York, NY | Ages 16 to 17 | Not posted | Not posted |
| Bideawee Summer Teen GroupVolunteering · Animal shelter or rescue | Westhampton, NY | Ages 13 to 17 | Select Fridays in summer for a couple of hours | Summer |
All parks and environment programs in New York CityBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEducation opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program?
New York Botanical Garden does not post an age rule on the page we read. High school students
How many hours does New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program require?
Four training days plus a 4.5-hour shift every Saturday or Sunday, March 20 through June 19, 2027; minimum 125 hours
When does New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program take applications?
Spring 2027 applications due Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) Deadline: November 14, 2026.
What do you need to apply?
Interview and group assessment, Orientation with parent or guardian, Four mandatory training days.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “New York Botanical Garden Explainer Program”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/nybg-explainer-program.
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