Why volunteer with Urban Forestry?
Volunteers are critical to our mission of growing our tree canopy and keeping all trees healthy and happy. There are a variety of ways to get involved ranging from tabling at summer festivals to prepping young trees before giveaway events in the fall. There are ways to get involved during almost any season. We look forward to having you join us.
Do I need experience to volunteer?
NO! Prior experience is not needed to volunteer at any Urban Forestry events. Our staff will always provide the tools, tips, and training you need to make your volunteer experience fun, exciting, and impactful. Visit our site often to see which opportunities are right for you.
What types of things can I volunteer for?
Yard Tree Giveaway Tabling (Summer)
Enjoy summer festivities while promoting the benefits of trees. Sign folks up for the free tree interest form, and help Urban Forestry connect with communities across Portland!
Tabling at summer events is the perfect opportunity for volunteers who are fun, energetic, and outgoing. Language skills other than English are valued highly!
Past events attended include:
- Latino Home Fair
- Juneteenth Oregon
- Jade Night Market
Yard Tree Giveaway Outreach (Summer)
Volunteer for tree related outreach and make an impact in your community. Whether it is helping us run registration events, spreading awareness about our programs, or advocating for trees in your city there is a need for every day folks to share information with neighbors, friends, family, or anyone who will listen!
Yard Tree Giveaway outreach is a great way to learn more about Portland, make new connections, and spend some time outdoors while doing your part to cultivate a healthier, greener, urban forest.
To learn more about the Yard Tree Giveaway visit: portland.gov/freeyardtrees
Find Your Flare Events (Fall)
Those trees don't prep themselves! Before we give away
thousands of trees in the fall, we need lots of help to prepare them. This process entails finding their root flare, i.e., the spot where the tree trunk meets the roots and "flares out."
Help find and mark the flare before trees are pick up at giveaway events. By marking the root flare, we increase the survivability of all the trees we give away!
Yard Tree Giveaway (Fall)
Do you enjoy getting dirty? Roll up your sleeves and
enhance our urban canopy. Every fall, Urban Forestry gives away thousands of trees to folks that live in Portland. Each tree comes with a free bucket of mulch. Dig in and make a difference simply by filling up buckets with mulch. Each scoop helps to foster a greener, healthier environment.
Tree Planting Events (Winter)
Growing community one tree at a time. Plant a tree at your local park or public space. Community tree planting events are
family friendly and are a great opportunity to play in the dirt!
Lead a group of volunteers or choose to be a participant. Tree planting events are the best and easiest way to connect with trees.
If you or your community group is interested in cohosting a planting event with Urban Forestry visit: portland.gov/trees/tree-planting/tree-planting-interest-form
Upcoming Volunteer Events
To see a current calendar of upcoming events please visit our Events page.
| Event Information | Location | Date | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yard Tree Giveaway Event Volunteer | Mt Olivet Baptist Church 8501 N Chatauqua Blvd | 10/5/24 | Register Here |
| Tree planting at Arbor Day | Glenfair Park NE 154th Avenue and Couch Court | 10/12/24 | Register Here |
| Yard Tree Giveaway Event Volunteer | Helensview School 8678 NE Sumner St | 10/19/24 | Register Here |
| Yard Tree Giveaway Event Volunteer | Brentwood Park SE 62nd Ave & SE Cooper | 10/26/24 | Register Here |
| Yard Tree Giveaway Event Volunteer | Mt. Tabor Community Gardens Near SE Lincoln & 64th Ave | 11/02/24 | Register Here |