How can you Help?
We love our volunteers as they are our greatest asset. Without the active support of the community, the mission of TreesCharlotte would not be possible. We rely on thousands of volunteers each and every year to help plant, care for, and give away trees. If you’re passionate about growing Charlotte’s canopy, volunteering with TreesCharlotte is a great way to roll up your sleeves, get a little dirty, and have fun!
Here are a few of our volunteering needs:
Planting trees at events
Packing seedlings for distribution
Engaging with the community
Become a TreeMak
Stewardship – caring for trees already planted
Visit the events calendar for all our volunteer event opportunities.
Blue ribbons mark events where volunteers are needed! If you have a group of 10 or more please contact Cameron Smith – Cameron@TreesCharlotte.org and for corporate group inquires please contact Beth Brodie – Beth@TreesCharlotte.org
What do you Need to Know for Planting Events?
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for our tree planting events! Below is some general information that you will want to know before you come. We are grateful for your help and support. Volunteers are what make our events fun and successful.
WHERE: We plant trees in a variety of places all around Charlotte including schools, neighborhoods, churches, and more!
HOW: We hope to make your volunteer experience enjoyable! Holes are pre-augured and the needed tools are provided. Volunteers only need to bring a smile and expect to get dirty!
WHEN: Planting events, known as TreeDays, are usually held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING: Volunteers are asked to bring work gloves, wear long pants, and closed-toed shoes that are appropriate for digging. Keep in mind you will get dirty and the day may be chilly and wet. Tools (shovels and rakes) needed to plant trees, along with water and snacks will be provided.
AGE REQUIREMENT: Children of all ages are welcome to attend our plantings. We just ask an adult is supervising them!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Tree planting events are held rain or shine. A modest rainfall actually provides ideal planting conditions!
- All holes are pre-dug for your convenience.
- Shovels and rakes will be provided.
- Upon checking in at the volunteer table you will learn your assigned planting zone.
- After opening remarks, your TreeMaster(s), or lead volunteer(s), of your zone, will provide training on how to properly plant and care for trees.
- TreeMasters will be with your group throughout the event to guide you on which trees to plant in which locations.
Praise for TreesCharlotte
“Thank you so much Dave!! What an amazing day! Everything ran so smoothly, and I couldn’t believe how quickly we were able to plant all those trees. The parents were very impressed, and that is a hard thing to pull off with that crowd! I can’t express how much it meant to me to see all those little kids out there taking part in such a beautiful event. They truly did change the world on Saturday. I think it will be something they will remember forever, and they will be able to bring their families back to see the trees they planted in 2016. It was just so cool!! Thank you so much for allowing me to be part of something so special. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help.”
“The Trees Charlotte was an amazing experience for the residents of Stone Creek Ranch. It was a great way to bring the community together for a great cause that both enhanced our community and helped the environment. Organizer, Dave Cable, his staff and team of volunteers did a great job of organizing the event from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of trees and the level of education provided. I look forward to having them work in other communities that I manage.”
“We had such a blast participating in the event on Friday! I even saw the video clip on Friday evening’s news! We couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend our volunteer time. Trees Charlotte made it a wonderful event for us and we all left the event having learned something new and with a feeling of warmth in our hearts. I will absolutely pass this onto the rest of the group. Also, what a great picture!! We will definitely stay in touch for future events!
“Trees Charlotte provided a venue for students to demonstrate good stewardship and enhance their understanding of environmental issues. Through this hands-on project they were able to partner with their community and contribute to a healthier future for all. The children were able to make connections relating to photosynthesis, deforestation, animal habitats, wood products, and the Amazon Rain Forest.”
“I just wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the wonderful event you brought to our beloved Lakewood community! It is so amazing to know that great people like your volunteers and yourselves can organize so many of these great opportunities for neighbors to get together and improve their homes, grow the tree canopy and just get outside and enjoy the beautiful Carolina weather! Thank you so much for including us in this wonderful celebration of trees!”
“Trees are happily in the ground. Thank you.”