Tree Planting Volunteer

UPDATES Due to COVID-19 Recommendations: We have developed a back-up plan for the Mayor's Greening Initiative. Stay tuned for more updates. The health and safety of our volunteers and staff is of utmost importance. To aid in the recovery of our community, Friends will postpone all events previously scheduled through the quarantine. Please look for updates on our website and social media.

Join us for the 5th Annual Mayor's Greening Initiative presented by Verizon! We're gathering hundreds of volunteers to plant 500 trees in one day in the Garfield Park neighborhood. This one-day volunteer event brings hundreds of community members together to make an immediate (and long-lasting) impact on our community. The Mayor’s Greening Initiative is a partnership with the Mayor’s office, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and the City’s Forestry Department as a way to engage the entire community in reaching our city’s 40 percent tree canopy goal.

Never planted a tree before? No problem! Our team will give you step by step instructions on how to plant a tree as well as provide all the tools and equipment you will need. Groups will work collaboratively with other volunteers and there will always be a tree expert in the area who will be able to answer any questions. We also have jobs such as registration, food service, moving mulch, clean-up and more.

If you're interested in volunteering, please fill out our online volunteer registration here. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Claire Fisher, Volunteer Coordinator, at cfisher@friendsofgrparks.org and/or 616-516-3627.