What to expect

Good people of all ages are UPG Volunteers, ages 15 months to 108 years.

High School and Middle School students can get community service hours.

UPG is award-winning for our college level Service-Learning programs.

UPG has been recognized as Community Partner of the Year for Service-Learning by Miami 
Dade College 3X in 3 years by 3 different campuses.

Some people donate their professional services.

Seniors share their knowledge and wisdom with younger generations. 

How do I get involved?

1. Check out the Calendar
What UPG Locations are convenient for you? Which ones fit your schedule?

2. Click the links to learn more.

3. Once you select one, RSVP using the Calendar. If this is your first time, check for a confirmation e-mail to validate your account (if you can not find it, check your spam folder).

4. If you are younger than 18, you must have a parent or guardian sign the UPG Release. Once this is done, make your RSVPs through the Calendar. Turn in your Release when you come out to Volunteer the first time.

5. Use the UPG Maps on the Calendar to find us – we work in huge parks, and you will get lost without them. Check your e-mail before you come out, since we sometimes send weather updates and new info you will need.

6. Come out and work.
Check the PREPARE list on the Calendar for what to wear and bring, since you need to be properly equipped. A water bottle is the minimum. 

What will I be doing?

- Be prepared to work. UPG makes a big impact because we work hard.

- You may get dirty, so don’t wear your newest, nicest clothing.

- You will get a workout, but there are different intensities, from Easy Listening to Heavy Metal.

- Some work-days involve using picks to dig out Exotics, or hand shears to remove their seeds.

- Nursery Days involve transplanting from small pots to large, plus weeding and mulching and organizing. You may be hauling plants or digging soil.

- During the Rainy Season we do habitat plantings.
If you are not prepared to work, then UPG is not for you. 

Sign up today

Training and Leadership

You will be assigned to a UPG Team Leader. Your Team Leader’s job is to make you a safe and effective worker. He or she may be your age, or even younger, but you must follow their directions anyway.

Please pay close attention during training, because your safety and that of your co-workers is important. You will be working around living plants, and the quality of your work will determine the plants life or death. Details matter, so be sure you understand the technical training you get (such as how to plant, use tools, remove exotics, and identify plants).

Keep your tools, gloves with you at all times, or in a designated “tool spot”. That way, we don’t loose tools, which are very expensive.
If you break or damage a tool (try not to, of course), report it immediately to your Team Leader. We must know that it needs to be evaluated for safety, repaired or replaced under warranty or put on a donation wish list. 

How to prepare:

Depending on the UPG Location, we also have Nursery projects, Garden Building and Fruit Tree Planting.

You will be working outside, and will get sweaty and dirty.

• Dress for the weather and grubby work.
• Wear closed-toed shoes (or boots) to protect your feet.
• If you have preferred sunblock, bug spray, or gloves, bring it (or use ours). • A sun hat is ALWAYS encouraged.
• Use the bathroom before you arrive, since there usually isn’t one nearby.
• Always bring a water bottle. We’ll provide refills.

Expect to get dirty. Expect to break a sweat. Expect to go places you have never been, and learn new things. 

FAQs

Q: Why are Reservations required?
A: We work in huge parks and in non-public areas, so you will need the map to find us. Work-sites can change from one week to the next. We will provide a cell number in case you have problems finding us, but this can change. We need to know how many Volunteers are coming so we can plan effective projects, and know how many tools, how much water, etc.

Q: Do I need to make a Reservation every time?
A: Yes. Please see above for why.

Q: Can I bring a friend or family member?
A: Usually, Yes!

Q: Can children Volunteer with UPG?
A: Usually, Yes! We have kids tools. Just tell us the ages and how many so we can plan a useful project. 

Sign up today