Help the Ecology Action Center and local partners plant 10,000 trees every year to reduce air pollution, sequester carbon, increase wildlife habitat, improve watershed protection, and much more!
Volunteer
Many, many, many hands are needed to plant 10,000 trees every year! Volunteers are most needed in March, April, and May for Tree Prep and Tree Planting shifts.
Tree Prep shifts
Pruning, labeling, and bundling seedling trees so that they’re ready for tree planting day. We use small hand tools. Volunteers are generally on their feet for this activity, but accommodations can be made upon request. Our usual worksite does not have air conditioning or a full bathroom, but there is a porta-potty is onsite.
Tree Planting shifts
Most of the trees we plant are seedlings – about 2′ tall and a very small diameter. We plant them using a “dibble bar”. Volunteers need to be 18 years or older unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and then must be at least 14. All volunteers must be able to spend at least 3 hours on their feet, use hand tools safely, and lift a weight of about 15 pounds.
Other volunteer opportunities with Tree Corps include tree potting, tree storage, and tree guard installation. These activities vary throughout the season and are scheduled as needed. All volunteer dates are posted on our calendar once they are scheduled. Sign up using one of the links below.
Donate
Your donations (as an individual, as a Tree Team group, or as a business sponsorship) are greatly needed to raise the finances needed.
At approximately $5 per tree for planting costs, we need to raise as much as $50,000 for this year’s tree planting efforts. As the Ecology Action Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law. Please donate generously within your means.
Tree Tributes are donations made in honor of, or in memory of a person. Learn more about Tree Tributes.
Suggest a Tree Planting Site
Know of a place that could use a lot more trees? Let us know about it! We are always on the hunt for partnerships and locations to plant more trees.
What makes a good planting site?
We generally limit our planting locations to public property or locations that are open to the public within McLean County. We’re also looking for sites that have a half acre or more of land that is viable for tree planting. Whether it’s your church, school, workplace, or common area, submit your idea to us and we will look into making it a reality! Please include as much detail as possible, and contact information of the land owner or relevant decision makers.
