Native Plant Celebration · Diversity & Discovery

Join the team behind the Celebration.

September 11–12, 2026 · Highlands, North Carolina

Every other September, the Highlands Biological Station welcomes hundreds of visitors for a weekend devoted to the native plants of the Southern Appalachians. It takes a small, cheerful crew to make it happen — and there’s a place for you on it.

What volunteers do

Across the two days, volunteers are the friendly face of the Celebration: welcoming guests, staffing the native plant sale, helping visitors along the guided garden tours, and setting up Saturday’s reception and live plant auction. Most roles ask for nothing more than enthusiasm and a willingness to help people feel at home.

Shifts are flexible. When you sign up below, choose the days and roles that suit you, and we’ll shape the schedule around what you can give.

Volunteer Sign-Up · Native Plant Celebration

Lend a hand in the gardens

Help us welcome visitors to the 2026 Native Plant Celebration, September 11–12 in Highlands. We keep the team small — 10 volunteers — so every helper has a real role.

Fields marked * are required.

Your details Full name *

Email * Phone *

Emergency contact name * Emergency contact phone *

When you can help

Fri, Sep 11 — Native plant sale Fri, Sep 11 — Guided garden tours Fri, Sep 11 — General event support Sat, Sep 12 — Symposium check-in Sat, Sep 12 — Symposium support Sat, Sep 12 — Reception & plant auction Either day — wherever needed

Anything we should know? (accessibility needs, questions, skills)

Volunteer agreement

WCU Volunteer Agreement Statement

I agree to volunteer the above described service and time. I am considered a volunteer and not an employee of Western Carolina University because of these services; my hours of service are provided with no promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for the services rendered. I am at least 18 years of age.

As an agency of the State of North Carolina, the University will be responsible for the negligent conduct of its officers, agents, and employees acting within the course and scope of employment or service to the University. Volunteers may be protected under the North Carolina Tort Claims Act and the Excess Liability Policy administered through the North Carolina Department of Insurance provided that (1) the Volunteer is properly engaged under a Volunteer Services Agreement as a University Volunteer, (2) the Volunteer acts only within the course and scope of his/her assigned duties under this Agreement and (3) the University exercises sufficient control over the Volunteer in the provision of services under this Agreement.

I have read and agree to the volunteer agreement above. *

Signature Type your full legal name to sign *

Draw your signature above

I can’t draw a signature — use my typed name above as my signature.

Join the team behind the Celebration.

What volunteers do

Lend a hand in the gardens

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