GCNN Spring Workshop: Designing Docent Programs that Engage and Inspire

Garden Conservancy Northwest Network Spring Workshop

Designing Docent Programs that Engage and Inspire

Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Please mark your calendar for the 2026 Garden Conservancy Northwest Network (GCNN) Spring Workshop, a full-day, practical program focused on strengthening docent programs to enhance visitor engagement, interpretation, and long-term garden stewardship. Designed for garden directors, managers, and volunteer coordinators, this workshop will explore how to build docent programs that foster meaningful connections between gardens and the communities they serve.

Workshop Highlights

• Foundations of effective docent program design
• Recruitment, training, and volunteer engagement strategies
• Interpretation and storytelling techniques that support preservation
• Peer exchange and facilitated discussion
• Practical tools and takeaways for immediate implementation

Location

Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden

3015 NW 54th St.

Seattle, WA 98107

Located on the grounds of the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this historic 7-acre English-style garden provides a distinctive setting rooted in cultural landscape stewardship.

Presenter

Evan Weber brings extensive experience in volunteer management, currently overseeing approximately 400 volunteers at the Museum of Flight, including 140 docents. He previously led docent programs at Denver Botanic Gardens and is passionate about strengthening garden stewardship through public engagement.

Whether you are refining an existing docent program or launching one, this workshop will offer valuable insights, practical strategies, and meaningful peer connections.