Root for Trees offers public drop-in planting volunteer opportunities with no registration required. Join us as an individual, with a friend or in a small group to help grow Edmonton’s urban forest!
Drop-in Schedule
Join us for drop-in planting events at various locations this season! All events are from 12-3pm. Drop-in plantings take place weekly on Saturdays from June to mid-October.
All training and planting equipment is provided. Volunteers should bring sturdy footwear and dress for the weather.
Preassigned Locations
Each drop-in planting will have a preassigned location. Please see the Drop-In Planting Site Map for site directions and parking information.
Events Schedule
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| June 7 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| June 14 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| June 21 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| June 28 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| August 2 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| August 9 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| August 16 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| August 30 | 12-3pm | Hermitage 1 (Off-Leash Dog Park) |
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| August 23 | 12-3pm | Ormsby Food Forest Event |
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 5 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| July 12 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| July 19 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| July 26 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| Sept. 6 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| September 13 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| September 20 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| October 4 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| October 11 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| October 18 | 12-3pm | Terwillegar Dog Park (SE) |
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| September 27 | Check out our Orange Shirt Day event on September 28 instead! |
Prepare for your Drop-in Planting
What to expect:
- Upon arrival, check in with Root for Trees staff on site and sign our volunteer sign-in form
- Staff will provide a site orientation, including a safety talk and planting demonstration
- You will then receive plant material, shovels and clean gloves
- Feel free to drop in and leave anytime during the scheduled time slots
- Staff will be onsite to answer questions and provide guidance on planting safely
- Plant materials and equipment are available on a first-come-first-served basis
- If all plant material is planted before the end of the scheduled drop-in program, staff will facilitate additional activities such as weed pulling or educational activities
Training and Safety
All training, including a planting demonstration and safety talk, is provided on-site by Root for Trees Program Leaders.
Recommended Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All safety protocols communicated must be followed while volunteering.
Supplied by the volunteer:
- Sturdy, closed-toe footwear such as runners (if proper footwear is not worn, volunteers will be unable to participate)
- Hat, sunglasses and long pants are recommended
Supplied by Root for Trees:
- Clean gloves
- Shovels
- Plant Material
Program Cancellation Policy
Root for Trees will plant rain or shine! However, in the event of severe weather, plantings may be shortened or cancelled for staff and public safety. Severe weather conditions that would necessitate cancellation include:
- Thunderstorms or lightning
- Temperature equal to or above 34°C (including the Humidex)
- Wind, including gusts, of over 45 km/h
- An air quality health index (AQHI) of 7 or above
The City of Edmonton retains the right to modify or cancel the planting in the case of inclement weather and public safety.
Contact Us
311 Contact Centre
Phone 311 | Outside of Edmonton: 780-442-5311 | TTY 711