Be a Leader
Join Friends of Trees' valued
team of volunteer leaders and inspire other tree planters as
you transform a green space or neighborhood.
Summer Inspectors
Summer Inspectors are always one of our most popular volunteers roles. Why? These trained volunteers learn how to assess the health of newly-planted street and yard trees and give homeowners watering and mulching tips. Summer Inspectors meet their neighbors and help teach them how to best care for their trees during the critical first summer after planting.
Attendance at one 4-hour Saturday morning training is required for this role. Space is limited and these trainings will reach capacity. So save your spot today!
The trainings will be held on Saturday, June 1st (SE Portland) and Saturday, June 8th (N Portland) - each from 9:00am - 1:00pm. You'll receive expert instruction regarding tree care techniques, as well as free breakfast, lunch, and a sweet Tree Team t-shirt.
Each inspector checks on his or her assigned trees twice during the summer (once by the end of June and once by the end of August). We estimate that the overall time commitment after the training is approximately 6-8 hours.
And all of this can be done on your own schedule in the sunshine. Not a bad way to do good work!
**UPDATE as of May 14th: both trainings are now FULL. If you'd like to be placed on the waiting list, please email us at Volunteer@FriendsofTrees.org. Thank you!**
Crew Leaders
Crew leaders are one of our most important volunteer roles as they help teach our volunteers how to plant trees and work together as a team. Crew leaders attend a training to learn how to plant trees and how to guide volunteers at planting events.
During our planting season, each crew leader commits to guiding small groups of planters at four Saturday morning plantings. Each crew leader receives the coveted Tree Team t-shirt and is invited to attend Friends of Trees leadership celebrations and annual award ceremonies.
- The Neighborhood Trees program plants large street and yard trees with homeowners and planting volunteers in eastside Portland neighborhoods, as well as in Vancouver and Beaverton.
The Green Space Initiative plants small native trees and shrubs in natural areas and green spaces, as well as along the I-205 Multi-Use Path, with planting volunteers to restore native habitat and improve watershed health.
Check out some of the best reasons to become a Crew Leader:
- Free stuff for you
- Make change with us
- Wear the vest and be respected
- Three rad reasons
- Great way to meet people
- Plant trees with your bike
- Beautify Portland's neighborhoods & green spaces
- Promote environmental & health benefits of trees
- Build a stronger community
But don't take our word for it! Check out what they have to say:
- Why We Lead: A Crew Leader's Vested Interest, Part II
- Why We Lead: A Crew Leader's Vested Interest, Part I
- Why Do You Plant Trees? A Crew Leader's Story.
- Rookie Crew Leaders Reveal Lessons From Their First Season
- Nuggets of wisdom from our newest Crew Leaders
- Rookie Crew Leaders share their secrets
Neighborhood Coordinators
We all know that urban street and yard trees increase air and water quality, improve neighborhood livability, help mitigate stormwater, boost property values and help beautify neighborhoods.
But we can't plant them without our Neighborhood Coordinators (NCs) - our most vital connection to the neighborhoods where we plant trees.
NCs are absolutely critical to the mission and success of Friends of Trees and work closely with staff members to help answer questions from tree purchasers, create outreach strategies and organize planting day logistics. The most important piece of the equation is the willingness to communicate with your neighbors, get excited about having more trees in your neighborhoods -- and, of course, having fun doing it!
No experience is necessary! We'll train you in all aspects of this role and support you throughout the planting season.
We are currently scheduling short, in-office trainings based on a time/date that works best for you. If you're interested in learning more, please fill out this form and we'll be in touch with you shortly to schedule.
For more information about any of our volunteer leadership positions, please email Andy Meeks or Jenny Bedell-Stiles in the Volunteer & Outreach Program. You can also reach us at 503-595-0213. We look forward to working with you!
