Lend a hand
Do you like to roll up your sleeves and are you also interested in trees, plants and forest management? Then you are very welcome as a volunteer in The Geographical Arboretum of Tervuren!
The management of the collection and the surrounding Capuchin Forest is very fascinating and educational. Our forest rangers and workers are happy to take you on the journey. There is something for everyone; guided tours, harvesting seeds, measuring trees, organizing events, taking photos, etc. To make the many tasks clear, we divide the activities into the following working groups.
NURSERY
Green fingers are useful in the practical implementation of all kinds of management works. Supplementing the collection with new plants plays an important role. Help us maintain the nursery by collecting seeds, transplanting, weeding, cleaning up planting sites, applying wildlife protection, etc.
We come together one afternoon a month and carry out a group task under the supervision of a forester or worker. In the meantime, you can have a chat, gain knowledge and enjoy the beautiful trees! In addition to fixed monthly volunteer afternoons, there are additional activities depending on the season that you can carry out independently or under supervision.
GUIDES
The arboretum is a treasure trove of knowledge and we have amassed an almanac of anecdotes and stories over the years. If you are intrigued by the geographical collection of trees and would like to share your knowledge of history and forest management, you are welcome to join our group of trained guides. Together with Nature Group Zoniënwoud (NGZ) and the managers, we can help you become a guide who can independently lead a group of visitors.
COMMUNICATION
Behind the forest lies an extensive digital footprint. For more than 120 years we have been collecting knowledge, images and experiences from our trees and the people who work on them. Naturally, we want to share this data with the outside world, through a new book, website, walking brochures, a seasonal newsletter and a presence on social media.
Do your digital skills remain untapped at home or at work? Then commit yourself to promoting our arboretum.
Help us promote the arboretum abroad! We are always looking for fellow tree-lovers and experts to improve our collection. You could assist in translating articles and setting up networking events.
DENDROLOGY AND RESEARCH
Are you passionate about tree knowledge, nature and forest management? Then the arboretum is the perfect study object. We work every day to improve the collection by adding more knowledge. It is therefore necessary to identify, photograph and document the trees. We also collect leaf, fruit and wood samples to serve as archival material. With 700 (exotic) tree species and extensive native flora and fauna, we can also facilitate various research and studies. Both amateurs and professionals are welcome to realize their projects.
