The best way to enjoy the Volunteer Park Conservatory is as a member of Friends of the Conservatory (FOC). Membership helps the FOC deliver on our mission to inspire meaningful connection between people and nature through education and horticulture, while also safeguarding this valued community resource where visitors learn about the rich diversity of our botanical world.
All benefits valid for one year from the date of purchase.
$35 Individual | $55 Family
$75 Individual | $100 Family
$150 Individual | $250 Family
$500 Family
$1,000 Family
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Friends of the Conservatory every time you shop online, at no cost to you. The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price on eligible items to the FOC.
Just add "smile dot" in front of any Amazon URL!
Interested in joining this plantastic community? We encourage plant enthusiasts and novices alike to apply with the online application below.
Committees help further the mission of the FOC. There are several to choose from, each one offering a more in-depth opportunity to see how a small non-profit operates.
The FOC Education Committee strives to educate and inspire armchair gardeners and experienced botanists alike. Our committee members have a love of plants, both native and exotic, and hope to foster the same appreciation and passion in our community. We host monthly lectures and workshops on a variety of topics, drawing from the expertise of local enthusiasts.We also recruit tour guides for the docent program and help keep the interpretive displays up to date.
We are currently seeking an Education Committee Chair to work closely with the Program Director to develop workshop and lecture series. Reach out to khue@focvp.org if interested.
Do you like event planning? This is the Committee for you! Discuss event logistics, improvements for our annual fundraisers, supply and donation procurement, volunteer needs, and partnerships with community organizations and businesses.
Contact the Committee Chair if interested: Claire Wilburn, claire.wilburn@focvp.org
The Advocacy Committee is a powerful and necessary political action committee which provides oversight and civic engagement at the Conservatory. The Advocacy Committee advocates on behalf of both the Gardening Staff and facility. It is empowered to ensure private citizens have oversight of governance of the Conservatory, a publicly-held institution. Committee members review any proposed changes which affect the Conservatory, review Parks annual budget and line items. attend public hearings and City Council meetings whenever necessary.The committee can bring staff concerns to the City Council members directly in a way that Parks employees cannot. As a 501(c)3, we are not permitted to lobby or raise funds for political causes, however, the committee mobilizes when needed, to inform the public of significant changes which affect operations and maintenance.
Contact the Committee Chair if interested: Anthonio Pettit, anthonio@focvp.org