TreePeople is an environmental non-profit based in Los Angeles, CA dedicated to planting and caring for trees, harvesting rainwater, and renewing the city’s depleted landscapes. With headquarters located in a park atop Mulholland Drive, the group has frequent volunteer activities across LA County.
By: Mario Rivas
The two most common volunteer opportunities are tree plantings and tree care. In each instance, groups ranging usually from 10-30 people get together and are guided by TreePeople staff to either plant new trees in designated areas–which can be in the surrounding hills, or in local neighborhoods–or care for existing vegetation and/or previously planted trees. (They also occasionally do restorations in areas affected by wildfires.)
Having volunteered with TreePeople for over 12 years, I like that it’s a very hands-on experience. LA can seem like nothing but a sprawl of buildings and freeways, so it’s fun to get out there and get your hands dirty–literally–and know you’re bringing back some much needed greenery to the city.
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To sign up, first visit TreePeople’s website at www.treepeople.org/calendar where you can see what events they have. You MUST register through their website to attend one of their events. Plan on an early start (usually between 8-9AM) and leave time for driving, as some of the events can be on the outskirts of the city. Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. I also recommend wearing waterproof shoes–if you have rubber boots, take them–as you’ll be around lots of water and mud (trees need lots of water).
You’ll also be handling shovels and other equipment, so consider the physical demands. Nothing that needs to be done is so strenuous that it cannot be done by an average adult, and with lots of volunteers around, it’s easy to share tasks, but it IS a physical endeavor. The volunteer outings usually last between 2-4 hours, depending on distance, how many people there are, and what needs to be done. TreePeople provides all the on-the-spot training and tools needed, and usually bring snacks and water, but consider packing your own, just in case. The staff is always friendly and helpful.
There are volunteer projects throughout LA so parking depends on where the volunteer assignment takes place. Same with bathrooms. There are no porta potties so be sure to ask if there are nearby public restrooms to use.
All in all, TreePeople is a wonderful way to give back while experiencing the outdoors, and it’s amazing to see the photos on their website illustrating how much impact the group has had across the city.