US Entrance
Canadian Entrancevolunteer with us,
Join the worker bees
About us
The International Peace Garden was founded in 1932 by a group of visionaries aiming to establish a place dedicated to the ideals of peace and friendship between nations. Located near the geographic center of North America, the International Peace Garden sits on the Manitoba/North Dakota border and commemorates the long-standing peace between the United States and Canada. Today, the Peace Garden grounds span more than 2,400 acres including forests, trails, lakes, manicured gardens, conservatories, campgrounds, and more. The Peace Garden exists because of the efforts of volunteers and committed community leaders. Many of the early facilities and structures, as well as picnic areas, exist thanks to the fundraising efforts and sweat equity of local, state and provincial organizations.
RICK FELSTEAD WINS VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD – MANITOBA!
Rick Felstead wins Volunteer of the Year Award – Manitoba from Travel Manitoba and Tourism Winnipeg. Rick, a retired gas utilities engineering manager and consultant, has been volunteering at the Garden for 18 years. He was elected to the Garden’s Board of Directors in 2009 and has served on various committees, including Governance, Planning and Development, and Communications and Membership. Through his position as the Governor of Rotary International, he was instrumental in raising funds required to create the Garden’s 9/11 Memorial and continues to initiate improvement and ongoing maintenance to the site.
“Rick is always willing to help out at Garden events,” Tim Chapman, CEO at the International Peace Garden, said. “He does everything from greeting and guiding guests to directing traffic, helping the gate staff, and ensuring that our visitors have a great time. His energy and enthusiasm are contagious and he’s an outstanding ambassador and advocate for the Garden.”
Over the years, Rick has held leadership positions in several professional, social and civic organizations. He remains an active member of Rotary International, serves in the Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Association of Canada, the Manitoba Branch of the Army Cadet League of Canada board, and is an executive member of the Central Museum of the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery in Shilo, Manitoba. He is the recipient of several awards for community and national service including the Queen’s Silver, Gold and Diamond Jubilee medals.
Volunteer at the International Peace Garden
As summer of 2024 approaches, we are excited to announce that we continue to welcome volunteers to support our “Worker Bee” program at the International Peace Garden. We will work with you to find the perfect “volunteer” fit to support the International Peace Garden, as we work together to make the IPG a beautiful place for everyone who works, plays, or visits the garden.
How can you help?
We are looking for Worker Bees of all ages and abilities. We ask that children under 16 be accompanied by a parent or adult. Our volunteer program opportunities are wide-ranging and include tour guides, informational greeters, general maintenance, and handyperson (painting & small repairs like picnic tables, etc.), garden helpers, front gate workers, and event support. We are also looking for volunteers for our membership table, ushers, ticket takers, and assistants for children’s activities.
We have opportunities for group workdays and individual hours of service every day of the week. Let us know how you would like to help, when you are available, and we can identify projects that align with your interests.
Benefits of Volunteering:
- Meet and work with other people while developing and strengthening relationships.
- Meet visitors from all over the world.
- Learn more about the history of this gem, symbolizing the ongoing peace between Canada and the United States.
- Stimulate your senses and mindfulness while spending time in nature, with lush vegetation, lakes, the cascading water channel along the 49th parallel, ponds, fountains, fresh air, not to mention the opportunity to see wildlife and a variety of birds.
- Enjoy taking part in your chosen activity and contributing to a cause you believe in while supporting the International Peace Garden as a part of our communities.
We will kick off the 2024 season with some scheduled Volunteer Days, as follows:
- Buildings Volunteer Day – Tuesday, May 7, 2024
- Grounds Volunteer Day – Tuesday, May 28, 2024
- Volunteer Planting Day – Saturday, June 15, 2024 and/or Saturday June 29,2024
Please click the date you would like to volunteer to register for any of the volunteer days.
You will receive free admission to the International Peace Garden when you enter the garden to volunteer, 15% off any purchase at the Peace Garden Gift Shop, and for every 15 hours of volunteering, you will be entered into a draw for a one-night stay at one of our cabins, to be used from Oct. 15/24 to Apr. 14/25.
Please complete the form below, and I will connect with you to plan your volunteer opportunity. If you have any questions, please email Debra McCallum at coordinator@peacegarden.com.
Your Support Matters
For 86 years the Peace Garden has been a symbol of peace and cooperation and a jewel on the prairie. The vision of a few men to create a special place and the 50,000 who gathered for its dedication in 1932 should not be forgotten by any of us. In an ever-changing world, we can not forget the importance of peace and conservation.
The International Peace Garden is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization. Your gift is used to promote the Gardens as a vital regional asset while providing valuable educational programs and special events for the community.