Volunteer

Why Volunteer?

Trees don't plant themselves. Volunteers are at the heart of TreesLouisville's mission, helping plant, prune, water, mulch, educate, and advocate for Louisville's urban forest. Every hour volunteered helps create cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, and healthier communities.

Ways to volunteer

🌳 Canopy Corps

For people who want ongoing involvement and tree-care training. Includes  planting, pruning, watering, mulching, and leadership opportunities. Training required. Canopy Corps trainings happen three times a year and require one virtual information session (of two available) and one in-person training. Click here for more information!


🌳 Community Plantings & Tree Care Volunteers

Perfect for first-time volunteers. Help plant, water, mulch, or care for trees at events throughout Louisville.


🌳 Community Outreach Volunteers

Represent TreesLouisville at festivals, outreach booths, TreeFest, Tree Week, and community events. 

Getting Started

To sign up for volunteer opportunities, you’ll need to create a free volunteer account through our volunteer system.

This helps us manage registrations, waivers, communication, and volunteer hours more efficiently.


If you have questions or need assistance signing up, feel free to contact us at info@treeslouisville.org.

Why Volunteers Love TreesLouisville

🌳Build practical tree-care skills while learning from ISA-Certified Arborists

🌳Meet others who care about Louisville and make a lasting impact on our tree canopy

🌳Earn TreesLouisville swag after completing three volunteer events or ten volunteer hours

🌳Some employers offer volunteer-time incentives or donation matching programs for community service hours (Click Here to see if yours does!)

partner with treeslouisville

TreesLouisville loves partnering with businesses, schools, neighborhood groups, and community organizations looking to make a hands-on impact in Louisville. Whether you're interested in organizing a volunteer experience, sponsoring a tree planting project, or supporting Louisville’s urban canopy through your workplace, we’d love to work with you.


Group opportunities can include tree planting, mulching, watering, and other community greening projects tailored to your organization’s size, goals, and interests. Since 2015, TreesLouisville has hosted meaningful volunteer and sponsorship experiences that strengthen teams while helping create a cooler, healthier, greener Louisville.


Interested in partnering with us? Contact Morgan at morgan@treeslouisville.org to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions: Volunteering

  • Do I need experience to volunteer?

    No experience is necessary for most volunteer opportunities. TreesLouisville staff and volunteer leaders will provide guidance, demonstrations, and tools when needed.

  • How do I sign up for volunteer opportunities?

    Volunteers can sign up through our online volunteer system. Creating a free volunteer account helps us manage registrations, waivers, communication, and volunteer hours more efficiently.


    If you have questions or need assistance signing up, feel free to contact us at info@treeslouisville.org.

  • What kinds of volunteer opportunities are available?

    Volunteer opportunities may include tree planting, pruning and tree care, watering young trees, mulching, neighborhood cleanups, educational outreach, and event support.

  • What is Canopy Corps?

    Canopy Corps is TreesLouisville’s trained volunteer program for individuals interested in deeper involvement with tree planting, tree care, and urban forestry education. Members receive hands-on training and access to additional volunteer opportunities.

    Canopy Corps

  • What should I wear to a volunteer event?

    We recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, closed-toe shoes or boots, and weather-appropriate layers. 


    Bringing a water bottle, hat, and sunscreen is also encouraged.

  • How long are volunteer shifts?

    Most volunteer shifts last between 2–4 hours, though event lengths vary. If you can only stay for part of a shift, you are often still welcome to participate.

  • Can children volunteer?

    Many volunteer opportunities are family-friendly, though some events may have age restrictions depending on the type of work involved. Please review the event description before signing up.

  • What happens if it rains?

    Some events continue in light rain, while others may be rescheduled due to severe weather or unsafe conditions. Registered volunteers will be notified if plans change.

  • Are there volunteer perks or incentives?

    Yes! Volunteers who complete 3 volunteer events or 10 volunteer hours are eligible to receive TreesLouisville volunteer gear such as a t-shirt, tote bag, or hat. 


    Some employers may also offer volunteer incentives or donation matching programs for community service hours - click here to check!

  • Can groups or companies volunteer together?

    Absolutely. TreesLouisville works with businesses, schools, neighborhood groups, and community organizations interested in hands-on volunteer experiences and greening projects throughout Louisville. Email info@treeslouisvile.org if you're interested!

  • Where does TreesLouisville need volunteers?

    Volunteer opportunities take place throughout Louisville, with a focus on neighborhoods experiencing low canopy coverage, high heat, and historic and current underinvestment.

  • Why is volunteering with TreesLouisville important?

    Volunteers help grow and care for Louisville’s urban tree canopy, creating cooler neighborhoods, cleaner air, healthier communities, and a more resilient city for future generations.