Orchard Park Community Planting with Our City Forest

What You’ll Be Doing:

Join Our City Forest for a hands-on morning of greening the community! Volunteers will help plant new trees that will provide shade, cleaner air, and beauty for years to come. You’ll learn proper tree-planting techniques and work alongside our team on tasks such as:

• Digging holes for new trees
• Planting and positioning trees for long-term growth
• Mulching to retain moisture and protect roots
• Staking and tying trees to support them as they establish

No experience needed! We’ll provide tools, gloves, and guidance!

What to Bring to Volunteer:

• Closed-toed shoes/safe footwear (No crocs, sandals, flats, etc. White shoes NOT recommended). You will be turned away if footwear is deemed unsafe
• Proper work clothing that can get dirty (long pants are recommended, but make sure your attire is weather-appropriate)
• Appropriate sun or rain protection (sunscreen, hat, rain jacket, etc.)
• Water! Please bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the event
• Recommended: Gardening-type gloves (we’ll provide them if you don’t have them!)

If you arrive at the event without the above items, you may be turned away from volunteering due to safety reasons.

Age Requirement: Because this event is located on a busy street, the City of San Jose requires all volunteers who will be working on the median to be age 16 and up. If you can’t meet this requirement, please let the planting team know and remember that only those 16+ can enter the median areas.

Getting Started:

Please plan to arrive on time for our tree planting demonstration at the beginning of the event. This is where you’ll learn how to plant a tree safely and properly before getting hands-on in the field. Our team will continue to offer guidance and support throughout the event, so you’ll be in good hands even if it’s your first time planting.

Want a quick preview (or refresher) before you arrive? Check out our short Tree Planting Guide video on YouTube, it’s only 8 minutes and gives a great overview of the process! Tree Planting Guide (youtube.com).

NOTE: This planting site is located along city streets and medians, so please use caution and follow all safety instructions from staff.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Our City Forest