Overview
The Garden District Garden Cultivator Program is a volunteer leadership opportunity for community members who want to help steward a garden site while building real leadership skills. Cultivators support food access, neighborhood wellbeing, and community connection through consistent care of a shared space. This program is human-centered and not one size fits all. We match responsibilities to your strengths, comfort level, and availability while still covering the garden’s core needs.

Why this matters
Community growing spaces thrive when there is consistent care and clear communication. Cultivators help prevent burnout, keep gardens productive, and create welcoming spaces where neighbors can participate and benefit.

Shared leadership model
Whenever possible, each of our nine sites is supported by two Garden Cultivators. This protects the garden when real life happens and reduces burnout, so the responsibility does not fall on one person.

Time commitment and season
Participation is voluntary, and there is no fee. Most cultivators commit about 6 to 8 hours per week during the growing season. The season commitment is April through November. Orientation is required before you begin leading a site.

What cultivators do
Garden Cultivators serve as site leaders and point people for weekly care and communication. Typical responsibilities include

• Supporting a simple site crop plan and seasonal task plan
• Weekly garden care such as watering, weeding, planting, and general upkeep
• Harvest coordination, including harvesting, washing, packing, and coordinating donation or distribution handoff
• Coordinating or supporting volunteer work sessions as needed for the site
• Light documentation such as harvest totals, photos, and short updates
• Communicating needs and challenges early so support can be activated
• Modeling a welcoming, inclusive presence for volunteers and neighbors

Choose your impact lane
Not everyone wants public-facing roles, and that is okay. Cultivators can focus on the lane that best suits them.

Lane A, Production focused
Focus on growing, harvesting, packing, and moving food to service agency partners and neighbors. Minimal public-facing work.

Lane B, Site care and stewardship focused
Focus on consistent maintenance, problem-solving, and keeping the garden safe, functional, and productive.

Lane C, Community connection focused
Support volunteer days, free farm stands, education moments, or neighborhood events when that fits your strengths and interests.

What success looks like
A strong season is not perfection. Success looks like consistent site presence, steady progress on seasonal priorities, clear communication, and a garden that feels cared for and welcoming.

Support and check ins
Cultivators are supported through regular 15-30 minute check-ins to troubleshoot issues early and maintain site stability. Check ins happen every other week when possible and at a minimum monthly during the season. Cultivators also have access to Garden District tools, supplies, and guidance so they are not left solving problems alone.

What you receive
• Garden District swag and seasonal leadership materials
• Access to seeds, plants, and horticultural guidance
• Greenhouse access
• Up to $50 reimbursement for education or professional development connected to our mission
• A supportive network of fellow cultivators, volunteers, and Garden District leadership

Selection timeline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If we think there is a strong fit, we will reach out within 7 to 10 days to schedule a short conversation and confirm placement details.

Transportation and outdoor readiness

This role is hands on and outdoors. To support a strong match and set you up for success, please answer the following based on your current season of life.

Eligibility
• Must be at least 16. Applicants under 18 may apply with parent or guardian consent
• Able to commit April through November
• Willing to work within a co cultivator model when possible
• Comfortable working outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and around bugs and soil
• Demonstrates inclusive behavior and respect for diverse community members
• Interested in leadership, consistency, and community based agriculture

Contact
Questions can be directed to Sean McKay at smckay@gardendistrictcorp.org.

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Waiver

I HEREBY WAIVE AND RELEASE, indemnify, hold harmless and forever discharge The Garden District Corporation and its agents, affiliates, successors and assigns, of and from any and all claims, demands, debts, contracts, expenses, causes of action, lawsuits, damages and liabilities, of every kind and nature, whether known or unknown, in law or equity, that I ever had or may have, arising from or in any way related to my participation in any of the events or activities conducted by, on the premises of, or for the benefit of, The Garden District Corporation provided that this waiver of liability does not apply to any acts of gross negligence, or intentional, willful or wanton misconduct. I understand that the activities and functions in which I participate may be considered(but do not have to be) of a volunteer/event nature, or for the benefit of a 501(c)(3), and/or dangerous and may cause serious or grievous injuries, including bodily injury, damage to personal property and/or death. On behalf of myself, my heirs, assigns, and next of kin, I waive all claims for damages, injuries, and death sustained to me or my property that I may have against the aforementioned released party to such activity. By this Waiver, I assume any risk, and take full responsibility and waive any claims if personal injury, death, or damage to personal property associated with The Garden District Corporation including but not limited to any volunteer activities, community events or leagues, using the facility and its equipment, practicing and/or engaging in organizational functions, philanthropic activities, other nonprofit or for profit engagements or function and fundraisers or other related activities on and off the premises. This WAIVER AND RELEASE contains the entire agreement between the parties, and supersedes any prior written or oral agreements between them concerning the subject matter of this WAIVER AND RELEASE. The provisions of this WAIVER AND RELEASE may be waived, altered, amended or repealed, in whole or in part, only upon the prior written consent of all parties.The provision of this WAIVER AND RELEASE will continue in full force and effect even after the termination of the activities conducted by, on the premises of, or for the benefit of The Garden District Corporation, whether by agreement, by operation of law, or otherwise. I have read, understand and fully agree to the terms of this WAIVER AND RELEASE. I understand and confirm that by signing this WAIVER AND RELEASE I have given up considerable future legal rights. I have signed this Agreement freely, voluntarily, under no duress or threat of duress, without inducement, promise or guarantee being communicated to me. My signature is proof of my intention to execute a complete and unconditional WAIVER AND RELEASE of all liability to the full extent of the law. I hereby grant The Garden District Corporation and its partners permission to use photos and/or video of me, including my image, likeness, and voice. I understand that The Garden District Corporation may publish the material I approve in any manner the organization deems appropriate in order to document or promote the work of The Garden District Corporation and its partners. This includes brochures, websites, email messages, social media , educational materials, and any other publication, whether printed or electronic.