Urban Forestry Volunteer Events and Workshops

This page offers tree-related volunteer opportunities throughout the year. Visit the city’s Calendar of Events for a list of citywide volunteer opportunities.

If you would like to be placed on our mailing list and receive monthly updates about upcoming events, plantings and volunteer opportunities, download and return the Volunteer Interest Form, call 360-487-8308, or send us an email.

Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions for more event information.

Neighborhoods

Friends of Trees Neighborhood Plantings

Join our non-profit partner, Friends of Trees, for a volunteer tree planting! Gloves, tools, and training are provided, just show up dressed for the weather. Neighborhood volunteers will provide a potluck lunch after the planting. To sign up for a list of trees available to plant at your home, either along the curb in the right-of-way or within your property line, visit the Friends of Trees website. For more information or to RSVP as a party of five or more, call 503-467-2533 or email Ian at Friends of Trees.

Yard Tree Giveaway October 2023

Vancouver Urban Forestry is offering a limited number of free trees this fall. We’ll have a variety of different species you can choose from, and we are offering one tree per property. Trees are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so make sure to stop by! For questions about planting and eligibility, email urbanforestry@cityofvancouver.us or call 360-487-8327.

Self-Guided Tree Tours

Take a leisurely stroll at your own pace while viewing trees in our community.

The Lincoln Neighborhood tree map is a nice opportunity to see what different trees look like during each season; this is a nice selection of urban tolerant trees that grow well in planting strips and yards.

The Parkside and Parkway East Neighborhoods tree tour map offers a flat 2.5 mile self-guided loop through northeast Vancouver, featuring examples of trees for small planting strips, shade-providing trees for yards, majestic mature conifers, and historic specimens and groves that connect us to our past.

Follow the Harney Heights Neighborhood tree tour map to interpret the area’s history while exploring the diverse trees found throughout, dating from World War II-era housing to the last decade.

Interested in holding a tree walk to increase community engagement with trees and community involvement in your neighborhood? Contact Urban Forestry to learn more.

TreeTalk Workshops

A series of free, educational workshops all about trees hosted by Vancouver Urban Forestry.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop

Interested in learning how to prune your fruit trees? Do you want to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with your neighbors? Join this workshop to learn proper, and improper, fruit tree pruning tips from the Urban Forestry team.

Winter Tree ID Workshop

Are you interested in tree identification? Come out to Clark College and walk the campus with us as we look at the different parts of trees and discuss identification tips and tools.

Tree and Shrub Pruning Workshop

Interested in furthering your tree pruning skills? Want to learn how to prune shrubs? Eager to get outside and enjoy some fresh air with your neighbors? Join this workshop to improve your pruning abilities and learn from other experts! All levels of pruners are welcome.

Tree Pests and Diseases Workshop

Are you interested in learning more about pests, diseases, and urban threats to trees in the Pacific Northwest? Come hear from local professionals and the Urban Forestry staff to learn about these topics and get your questions answered at our upcoming Pests and Diseases event.

Parks

Self-Guided Tree Tour

Take time to explore the many trees of Esther Short Park at your pace. View the old giants, including Douglas fir, Norway Maple, and Giant Sequoia and some of the newer additions of Ginkgo, Tuliptree, and Dawn Redwood. 

Does your neighborhood park need more trees? Contact Urban Forestry to learn more.

Natural Areas

There are several natural area sites throughout Vancouver that have an ongoing restoration need. Projects at each site include young tree care, mulching, and removing invasive plants. These are great projects for groups and can be scheduled around your needs.

Our natural areas need your help! Learn about the Adopt-A-Park program and consider lending a hand at these or other natural areas across the city:

Please email Urban Forestry or call 360-487-8308 for details or to schedule a work party. Training, materials, and tools will be provided.

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