You, too, can grow greener, healthier neighborhoods with Louisville Grows!

Whether it’s through tree planting events, canvassing door-to-door or planting vegetables, we invite you to become a part of the #mightyLGteam. As a small volunteer-based, grassroots organization, we do a tree-mendous amount of community work! Our volunteers help us get the work done, create more just and sustainable neighborhoods and make a huge impact on the environment in our communities. WE could not do this without YOU!

Volunteer Opportunities at Louisville Grows

Citizen Forester Program

Louisville Grows’ Citizen Forester program is a unique volunteer leadership opportunity that allows you to become an advocate for urban forestry in your community! Every Citizen Forester takes the introductory CF 101 Training Course. In this class, you will learn about the state of Louisville’s urban tree canopy, how to plant, prune, and care for trees, and how to lead volunteer groups on planting days. Citizen Foresters are our “rockstar” volunteers who work with the community to build capacity in urban forest management and stewardship.

This dedicated group makes our Urban Forestry efforts possible by coordinating volunteers on planting days, educating the public, advocating for trees, and supporting all our planting and outreach events.

Citizen Forester Program

Neighborhood Tree Plantings

(Year-Round)

Our tree plantings take place in neighborhoods experiencing significant declines in urban trees, as well as in areas where residents are eager to add new trees to their community. Trained Citizen Foresters lead and educate volunteers as they plant trees on residential properties for participants in our Treecipient Program. These large, neighborhood-wide events often involve 100+ volunteers, and we’d love your help! Bring your family and friends and join us in planting trees at an upcoming event

Neighborhood Tree Champion

(Year-Round)

Louisville Grows’ Neighborhood Tree Champion Program empowers local residents to serve as grassroots leaders by supporting tree planting efforts across the city. This program is designed to deepen community engagement, build local stewardship, and enhance the impact of our Urban Forestry Program. Tree Champions are trained volunteers who serve as liaisons between Louisville Grows and their neighborhoods. They play a key role in preparing for plantings, educating residents, and ensuring the success of newly planted trees. By equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to advocate for urban canopy health, the program helps build long-term support for green infrastructure and community resilience.

To apply or learn more, contact .

Citizen Foresters volunteers walking neighborhood

Tree Canvassing

(As Needed)

Canvassing is one of the most important steps in the tree planting process. We need volunteers to accompany staff members and engage with residents to find treecipients to provide homes and care for thousands of trees each year!

To learn more about canvassing opportunities, contact Ellie at .

Greenhouse Volunteers

(Year-Round)

Every year, Louisville Grows hosts a Seeds and Starts plant sale. Help from volunteers in our greenhouse allows us to put all proceeds of this fundraiser toward our Community Garden Grant program. Volunteers start plants from seed, pot starts, mix soil, and more!

Visual Storytellers

(Year-Round)

Interested in becoming a volunteer photographer or videographer with the Visual Storytellers of Louisville Grows? Help us capture and share the impact of our work in the community! Contact Ellie at to get involved today!

FAQs

When can I volunteer?

Year-round! While most of our volunteer opportunities are concentrated in the Spring and Fall, we almost always have something going on. Fill out one of our volunteer interest forms, and we’ll let you know what’s available!

Do I need to bring any supplies or equipment?

Louisville Grows provides everything you need to work in the outdoors with us from your tools to gloves to hand sanitizer and snacks or light meals for longer days Please refer to our online signups for specific events, but it’s always safe to assume you should dress for the weather, wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle.

Can groups volunteer?

Louisville Groups welcomes groups large and small! All of our events can accommodate groups, and we offer a variety of Team Building Experiences here.