How to Get Involved with the Trees Atlanta Volunteer Program

Trees are a big part of what makes Atlanta feel like “the city in the forest.” If you’ve ever walked through Grant Park, driven down a leafy neighborhood street, or enjoyed shade along the BeltLine, you’ve experienced the impact of organizations like Trees Atlanta.

If you’re interested in helping protect and grow Atlanta’s tree canopy, the Trees Atlanta volunteer program is one of the most accessible and effective ways to get involved.

What Is Trees Atlanta and What Does It Do?

Trees Atlanta is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and expanding Atlanta’s urban forest. It works across the city and surrounding neighborhoods to:

• Plant new trees in streetscapes, parks, schools, and neighborhoods
• Care for young trees until they’re established
• Remove invasive plants from greenspaces and forests
• Educate adults and children about tree care and urban ecology
• Advocate for tree canopy protection in Atlanta

Trees Atlanta’s main offices and education center are located in the historic Reynoldstown area, near the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.

Typical program areas include:

• Tree planting projects
• Tree maintenance and pruning support
• Forest restoration and invasive removal
• Youth education and after-school programs
• Neighborhood canopy projects and street trees
• Community workshops and tours

Most of these activities rely heavily on volunteers, which is where you come in.

Where Trees Atlanta Volunteers Usually Work in the City

Volunteer projects are spread across Atlanta and nearby communities, not just in one park. Common areas where projects often occur include:

• Intown neighborhoods: Grant Park, Kirkwood, Cabbagetown, Reynoldstown, Old Fourth Ward, West End, Adair Park
• Along the Atlanta BeltLine: especially the Eastside and Westside Trails
• City of Atlanta parks: such as Piedmont Park, Freedom Park, Tanyard Creek Park, Arthur Langford Jr. Park, and Westside Park
• Public schools and campuses: many APS schoolyards and local university areas
• Residential streets: tree plantings along sidewalks in neighborhoods across the city

If you live in the metro area, there is usually a volunteer opportunity within a 10–20 minute drive of many intown neighborhoods, and often along MARTA bus or rail routes.

Types of Trees Atlanta Volunteer Opportunities

Trees Atlanta offers a variety of roles, from outdoor hands-on work to education support. Opportunities can be one-time or ongoing.

1. Tree Planting Events

These are some of the most popular activities, especially in cooler months.

Volunteers typically:

• Help dig holes for new trees
• Place and straighten tree saplings
• Backfill soil and add mulch
• Install stakes and water new trees
• Clean up the worksite afterward

Plantings often happen on Saturday mornings in fall, winter, and early spring, when tree planting is healthiest in Atlanta’s climate.

2. Tree Care and Maintenance

Planting trees is only the first step. Young trees need care for several years.

Volunteer tasks may include:

• Mulching around existing trees
• Watering young trees in dry months
• Weeding and clearing grass from tree wells
• Adjusting stakes and straps
• Light pruning guidance (when supervised by staff or certified leaders)

These projects can occur nearly year-round, especially in the spring, summer, and early fall.

3. Forest Restoration and Invasive Removal

Atlanta’s parks and forests are threatened by invasive plants such as English ivy, kudzu, and privet. Forest restoration volunteers:

• Remove invasive vines and shrubs
• Clear ivy from tree trunks
• Help restore native understory plants
• Improve trails and access in natural areas

You’ll see these projects across city parks, creek corridors, and wooded areas along the BeltLine.

4. Education and Youth Programs Support

For people who like working with children or teaching:

• Support youth field trips and camps
• Help with classroom-style education activities at Trees Atlanta’s education center
• Assist with community workshops on tree identification, pruning, and urban ecology

These roles may require background checks or additional screening, especially when working directly with minors.

5. Office and Event Support

If you’re less interested in digging in the dirt, you can still support the mission through:

• Helping with event check-in
• Assisting with setup and breakdown at community festivals or plant sales
• Providing basic office help such as organizing materials or preparing mailings

Who Can Volunteer?

The Trees Atlanta volunteer program is designed to be accessible to a wide range of people.

Age Requirements

• Adults (18+): Can sign up directly for most volunteer shifts.
• Teens (often 13–17): Usually can volunteer with a signed waiver from a parent or guardian; some events may require an accompanying adult.
• Families with younger children: Some events are family-friendly, especially planting days in parks; others may have age minimums for safety reasons (such as near roads or with heavier tools).

Always check age guidelines when you sign up for a specific project.

Physical Ability and Accessibility

Most outdoor roles involve:

• Standing and walking over uneven ground
• Lifting mulch or small trees
• Using tools like shovels, loppers, or hand saws

However, Trees Atlanta often accommodates different ability levels by offering:

• Lighter tasks (e.g., watering, mulching, handing out tools, or registration help)
• Support roles at events or in the office
• Education and outreach activities with less physical labor

If you have specific accessibility needs, it’s helpful to contact Trees Atlanta in advance to ask which upcoming projects would be the best fit.

How to Sign Up for the Trees Atlanta Volunteer Program

Joining the Trees Atlanta volunteer program is usually a simple, online-based process.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Create a volunteer profile

   • You’ll typically provide your name, contact information, and emergency contact.
   • You may be asked about interests (planting, education, events) and availability.

2. Review the volunteer calendar

   • Most opportunities are listed by date, time, location, and activity type.
   • You can filter by neighborhood or type of work (planting vs. forest restoration, etc.).

3. Register for specific events

   • Select a project, confirm you’ve read the details, and sign up.
   • For group volunteering (corporate, civic, or school groups), there may be a separate group sign-up process.

4. Sign the volunteer waiver

   • This covers safety and liability; often done electronically when you register.

5. Show up on time, ready to work

   • You’ll typically receive address details, parking guidance, and what to bring in a confirmation email.

Typical Volunteer Hours

• Weekdays: Some morning or afternoon shifts, often for forest restoration or education support.
• Weekends: Many plantings and large volunteer days happen on Saturday mornings, sometimes on Sundays.
• Seasonal patterns:
  • Tree planting is busiest from late fall through early spring.
  • Forest restoration and tree care are common in spring and fall.
  • Summer may have lighter schedules due to heat, but tree care and special projects still occur.

What to Expect at Your First Volunteer Event

If you’ve never volunteered outdoors before, the process is designed to be beginner-friendly.

Check-In and Orientation

You’ll typically:

• Arrive at the designated park, school, or street-side meeting spot
• Check in with a Trees Atlanta staff member or trained volunteer leader
• Hear a safety briefing and overview of the day’s goals
• Receive a demonstration on proper tree planting or removal techniques

Questions are encouraged, especially about how to handle tools and protect tree roots.

Tools and Supplies

Tree Atlanta usually provides:

• Shovels, rakes, loppers, and wheelbarrows
• Gloves (though you can bring your own)
• Mulch, water buckets, and other materials

You’re expected to bring:

• Closed-toe shoes (athletic shoes or boots; no sandals)
• Weather-appropriate clothes that can get dirty
• A refillable water bottle
• Sunscreen or a hat for sunny days
• A light jacket or layers in winter; mornings can be chilly even in Atlanta

Weather and Cancellations

Most projects go forward in light rain or cool weather, but may be canceled for:

• Thunderstorms or lightning
• Severe weather warnings
• Hazardous icy or muddy conditions

If weather looks questionable, keep an eye on your email or the event page for updates.

Individual vs. Group Volunteering

Volunteering as an Individual

If you’re on your own or with a couple of friends:

• Sign up for any open volunteer listing that matches your schedule.
• You’ll work alongside other volunteers and be grouped into small teams on-site.
• This is a good way to meet neighbors and people from across Atlanta who care about the environment.

Corporate, School, and Civic Groups

Trees Atlanta often partners with:

• Corporations and local businesses for team-building days
• Universities and student groups
• Neighborhood associations
• Faith-based organizations and civic clubs

Group projects can:

• Be scheduled on specific dates and tailored to your group size
• Include a short educational component about Atlanta’s urban forest
• Count toward corporate social responsibility or service-learning goals

If you’re organizing a group, you’ll typically communicate with Trees Atlanta staff in advance to:

• Select a date and location
• Estimate the number of participants
• Confirm any age restrictions or physical requirements

Training, Leadership, and Skill-Building

For Atlantans who want to go deeper than occasional volunteering, Trees Atlanta often offers ways to build skills and take on leadership roles.

Volunteer Leaders

Experienced volunteers can sometimes train to become project leaders who:

• Help manage check-in and tool distribution
• Demonstrate planting or invasive-removal techniques
• Support newer volunteers and answer questions
• Serve as a point of contact for staff on event days

This can be a strong option if you’re looking for:

• Regular, structured involvement
• Leadership experience
• Community engagement in your neighborhood

Workshops and Educational Opportunities

Trees Atlanta frequently provides:

• Tree identification walks along the BeltLine or in major parks
• Pruning and basic tree care classes
• Sessions on Atlanta’s tree protection ordinances and urban planning
• Youth-focused camps or school break programs

These opportunities help volunteers and residents better understand why Atlanta’s tree canopy matters and how to protect it long term.

How Volunteering With Trees Atlanta Benefits the City

For someone living in or visiting Atlanta, the impact of the Trees Atlanta volunteer program shows up in everyday life.

Environmental Benefits

Volunteers support:

• Cooling the city: Trees help reduce heat on streets and sidewalks, which is critical in Atlanta’s hot summers.
• Cleaner air: Trees absorb pollutants and improve air quality near busy roads and industrial areas.
• Stormwater management: Roots and soil help absorb rainfall, reducing flooding and runoff into creeks like Peachtree Creek and Proctor Creek.

Neighborhood and Quality-of-Life Benefits

Tree plantings and forest restoration projects contribute to:

• More shade along walking routes, bus stops, and transit corridors
• Better-looking streets, parks, and public spaces
• Increased opportunities for neighbors to meet and collaborate
• Stronger community pride and stewardship

For many Atlantans, volunteering with Trees Atlanta is also a way to give back to the neighborhoods they live in, especially as the city grows and redevelops.

Simple Summary: Key Things to Know

Practical Tips for Atlanta Residents and Visitors

• If you live in Atlanta:

  • Look for projects near your neighborhood so you can see long-term impact.
  • Consider returning to the same area for follow-up tree care.

• If you’re visiting Atlanta:

  • Check for a one-time Saturday planting or forest restoration event during your stay.
  • Volunteering can be a unique way to experience local neighborhoods beyond tourist areas.

• If you’re a student or need service hours:

  • Trees Atlanta events often count for community service or school requirements; keep your confirmation emails and any sign-in records.

• If you’re heat-sensitive:

  • Prioritize cool-season events (late fall to early spring).
  • Choose morning shifts and bring plenty of water and sun protection in warmer months.

How to Contact or Visit Trees Atlanta

For the most up-to-date information on volunteer opportunities, schedules, and age or group policies, contact Trees Atlanta directly.

Trees Atlanta (Main Office & Education Center)
(Use this as a reference point for directions and general inquiries.)

• Location: Near the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail in Reynoldstown
• Typical services offered:
  • Volunteer program coordination
  • Education programs and workshops
  • Information about neighborhood and school projects

You can reach out to Trees Atlanta to:

• Ask about upcoming volunteer events in specific neighborhoods
• Arrange corporate, school, or civic group service days
• Learn more about leadership training or advanced roles
• Confirm accessibility options for certain projects

By joining the Trees Atlanta volunteer program, you help keep the city’s identity as a green, livable, tree-filled Atlanta alive—on the streets you walk, in the parks you visit, and in the neighborhoods you call home.