Volunteer Opportunities
Join us for a tree planting or a tree giveaway event. Register to volunteer in the Eventbrite box below. Questions? Contact Kylie at kylie@treesupstate.org or at 678-863-7189.
Volunteer with TreesUpstate
TreesUpstate volunteers have helped plant over 12,000 trees in parks, schools, and neighborhoods throughout Greenville and Spartanburg Counties. We plant trees most Saturday mornings in the winter between October and March.
Become a Volunteer Leader
Apply here to become a volunteer leader for our events- work behind the scenes with us to manage quality control, assist in tree planting demos, and bring the fun! We recommend you volunteer with us 5+ times OR take our community tree keeper class before you apply to be a volunteer leader.
Corporate Sponsored Plantings & Volunteer Events
TreesUpstate has partnered with many of our Corporate Partners on Corporate Volunteer Events. These include: Michelin N.A., TD Bank N.A., GE Energy, Sage Automotive Interiors, Johnson Controls, Scansource, and Duke Energy. If you would like to plan a Corporate Volunteer Event, please call or email Joelle Teachey (864-313-0765 / jteachey@treesupstate.org). Our planting season is October – March, but we offer mulching and pruning projects throughout the year.
Volunteer Opportunities for Groups
TreesUpstate works with groups of all sizes. Your group is always welcome to register individually for a pre-scheduled project listed above. Contact Us if you’d like to schedule a special volunteer event with your group. Our planting season is October – March, but we offer limited mulching and pruning projects throughout the year.
FAQS
Do I need to register?
Yes, registration is required- it helps us coordinate the event! However, walk-up registration is accepted.
Are volunteer events rain or shine?
Yes, we plant rain, snow, or shine. However, in the event of extreme weather (lightning, road closures, etc.) we will cancel with registered volunteers via email.
Can students volunteer to earn services hours for school/class?
Yes. If you try to register for something that doesn’t have any more “tickets” left, email us at kylie@treesupstate.org. Students are always welcome. Someone will be there to fill out your paperwork.
What do volunteers do at the tree plantings?
We start every tree planting with a tree planting demonstration. Volunteers learn the proper way to plant a tree through the International Society of Arboriculture. Prepare to dig holes with shovels and pickaxes, remove circling roots from the root ball with a saw, fill wheelbarrows with mulch, and carry buckets of water. If it rains close to or during the planting, expect to get muddy. Volunteers typically work in groups of 2-4.
Are the plantings family friendly?
Yes. Check the description of the event for any comments on safety or age requirements.
Do I need to bring anything?
Make sure to wear close-toed shoes for tree planting and tree care events! If you have been prescribed an Epi-Pen for insect stings and bites, or an inhaler, please bring those. It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Do I need to bring tools and gloves?
TreesUpstate provides tools and gloves for everyone. We have kid-sized shovels and limited kids gloves. If you bring your own tools (or your kids bring theirs), make sure they are clearly marked with your name.
Will there be snacks and drinks?
We strongly encourage you to bring water and a snack if you’ll need it. We do our best to bring donuts to Saturday morning tree planting activities as our special way to say THANK YOU.
Will I get a t-shirt?
If you volunteer for TreesUpstate’s Energy Saving Tree Giveaway or the Turkey Day Race, you get a shirt. After you plant 5 times, you earn a TreesUpstate Volunteer shirt- contact us to get your shirt if you’ve volunteered at 5 tree plantings!