Day of Caring

United Way’s Days of Caring is a year-round program that connects corporate and community groups with nonprofit agencies needing assistance. Groups participating in United Way Volunteer Center projects report feeling more connected to their community and their group members while working to help people in need. United Way Volunteer Center is pleased to offer a Day of Caring to help you give back while maximizing your time, money, and human resources. Team or group T-shirts are always encouraged!

Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens is a botanical garden & refuge for over 300 rescued, rehabilitated, and non-releasable birds and reptiles.

The Task

Volunteers will assist in a lush tropical oasis where our zoologists nurture local and exotic wildlife. Volunteer tasks may include beautification projects, guest interaction, or other non-animal care projects as determined by our staff. 

The organization is also prepping to move back into its main building & may also need assistance with that process. The tasks assigned will depend on the number of registered volunteers closer to the date as the needs are prioritized. 

Preparation

What to wear: We recommend closed-toe shoes. For some experiences, they may be required. Prepare for hot, wet, or dry nature exploration. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray!

Restrooms: We have two single-stall, ADA-accessible, and assisted-supported gender-neutral restrooms for public use. They are located just outside the Welcome Center, to the left as you enter the gardens.

Supervision: Children and youth under the age of 14 years must be supervised by adults. We require at least 1 adult per 10 youth participants; We recommend 2 adults per 10 youth for your best experience. Some groups may need more supervision.

Food & Drink: Each participant will need at least one full water bottle. On hot days or extended stays, additional water may be needed. We do not have refill stations, but water bottles are available for purchase in the Wonder Shoppe. Lunches or snacks may be brought in to enjoy onsite. We recommend ice-packed coolers. Food is not available for purchase. Check with our education department regarding lunch location options. Each area is subject to group size and availability. Lawn (Sunny): BYO blanket or sit on the grass. Large group capacity, up to 100 people. Benches near the lawn (shady) - no tables - 40 people maximum. Individual benches or tables scattered throughout the park: very limited availability, Do not feed the animals with the food you bring. Clean up all trash and bits of food thoroughly to keep our animals safe.

Parking, Entrance, and Exit: A bus unloading and parking guide is available. Buses make a 3-point turn in our back gravel lot, unload near the "old restaurant" and park across the street in our overflow parking lot. One group member will enter the main entrance to check in. Group participants will be guided through a side gate. 

Weather and Emergencies: We are an outdoor venue. When lightning is within a 10-mile radius, all participants must exit the park to shelter. During weather events of short duration, reentry may be available., For longer-duration weather concerns, Wonder Gardens will be close to the public. For other emergencies, a staff member will direct the group to safety.