Join the Movement — Become a Custode
What is a Custode?
Custodes are stewards who have committed to ecological restoration and community leadership. They are trained, verified, and recognized members of the Holon Gardens network. Whether you're starting your first garden or leading a regional initiative, becoming a Custode means joining a movement of ecological stewardship.
Garden Helper
Entry-level volunteering. Help friends and neighbors establish and maintain native gardens. No experience needed—we provide training.
Perfect for: Curious beginners, neighborhood volunteers
Community Steward
Deepen your practice. Create your own garden, complete our orientation, and start on the certification pathway. Build peer connections.
Perfect for: Committed gardeners, peer verifiers
Professional Verifier
Leverage your expertise. Ecologists, landscape architects, and domain experts conduct peer and professional verifications of gardens.
Perfect for: Professionals, academics, specialists
Find Your Role
Explore skill-based volunteer opportunities matched to your interests and expertise. Filter by role type or skill level to find your perfect fit.
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Upcoming Opportunities
Join workshops, seed swaps, and community volunteer days happening in the Holon Gardens network.
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Steward Certification Pathway
Progress from Seed to Custode through hands-on learning, verified ecological action, and community engagement. Each stage unlocks new capabilities and recognition.
Seed Steward
Begin your journey. Create an account, complete orientation, and register your first garden commitment.
- Create Trust Portal account
- Complete Garden Orientation module
- Register 1 commitment from the Menu
- Upload L1 self-certification photo
Conservationist
Deepen your practice. Achieve peer verification, log species, and begin participating in the Nursery Network.
- Pass L2 peer verification (3 neighbors)
- Log 5+ native species in your garden
- Complete the Steward's Walk for 8 weeks
- Join 1 Nursery Network event
Steward-Leader
Become a verified leader. Pass professional bio-audit, mentor new stewards, and host community events.
- Pass L3 professional bio-audit
- Mentor 2 new Seed Stewards
- Host 1 community garden event
- Maintain 90+ credibility score
Custode
The pinnacle of ecological stewardship. Operate a Nursery Node, train others, and shape the network's future.
- Operate a certified Nursery Node
- Train 5+ stewards to L2 or above
- 500+ sq ft verified native habitat
- Contribute to network governance
Get Involved Today
Tell us about your interests and we'll connect you with opportunities that match your skills and passion.