Every fall before the rain visits, the City of San Luis Obispo hosts a ceremonial tree planting event celebrating Arbor Day. Community members, City leadership & staff, and environmental partner organizations gather to plant trees, learn about the City's tree planting and sustainability efforts, and network with like-minded Central Coast neighbors. Volunteers are an integral part of the day, helping the event run smoothly alongside staff and placing trees in holes pre-dug by Public Works.
For 2024, volunteers will support City staff as:
- Directional Volunteers: greeting the public, providing information on the event and where to go for different activities, preparing signage, and serving as a check in spot for volunteer activity. This is a great role for those who prefer to be in one spot for a few hours, have excellent people and communication skills, and have a knack for organization. Bilingual (Spanish-speaking) community members encouraged to sign up.
- Gopher Basket Weavers: this mighty team of 2 will partner up to build baskets for the trees out of chicken wire. While we can train on site, familiarity with this process is a major plus. All resources will be provided. Once baskets are done, volunteers will pivot to supporting broader tasks for the event.
- Planting Volunteers: Teaming up in groups of 3 or 4, these teams will have the goals of planting 4-5 15-gallon trees each, laying mulch, backfilling holes, and ensuring these new shoots have a strong chance of success in life. City staff will be staged in the area for resources and assistance.
A great opportunity for volunteers of all ages, groups, and individuals!
- For those 15 & under, we require that a) a Minor Volunteer Waiver is completed and b) a parent or legal guardian be on site for the entirety of the shift.
- For those 16 & 17 years old, volunteers can serve without a parent or legal guardian present if the Minor Volunteer Waiver is completed.
- All volunteers, regardless of age, will need to complete a Volunteer Waiver and provide their emergency contact information.
At least a week prior, all registered volunteers will receive a confirmation email outlining key details for the event including what to wear, what to bring and leave at home, what to expect, their assignment and City point of contact, and more. If you are serving with a group, we will do our best to place all group members together upon request. Simply email our volunteer program ([email protected]) after you register to share the name of your group and the names of your members.
All tools, resources, and instructions will be provided day-of. We look forward to a fun, educational, and successful Arbor Day 2024 with your help.
