If you have ever wondered whether a single morning of volunteering can make a real difference, Trees Atlanta is living proof that it absolutely can. Going back to my family’s motto and mantra, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” can definitely be achieved through Trees Atlanta. Their impact is built on people showing up through rain or shine, early mornings, muddy boots, cold fingers, and all. And their projects are packed with opportunities throughout Metro Atlanta for families, neighbors, and nature lovers to roll up their sleeves and help grow a healthier, greener city.
A Weekend of Hands‑On Impact Happens Often
The action kicks off with Planting Muhly Grass in Downtown on this Thursday at 8 a.m., followed by a full Saturday of tree planting, pruning, and forest restoration. With cold, wet weather in the forecast, a few projects like the one at Lake Claire and Eagles Nest are being rescheduled. But the work continues strong with a focus on:
And here is a fun perk: planting goes even faster when nature handles the watering for us.
Explore the BeltLine Arboretum on a Free Tree Tour
For those who love learning as much as doing, Trees Atlanta is hosting a free guided Tree Tour along the Southwest BeltLine Arboretum this Saturday, January. 24th from 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Starting at the Kendeda TreeHouse campus, this walk highlights sustainable design, the Tiny Forest, and the organization’s new nursery, which is an exciting addition which will help protect Atlanta’s urban canopy for generations to come.
Volunteer Projects for Every Interest
Trees Atlanta offers a wide range of ways to get involved:
🌳 Tree Planting
Help grow Atlanta’s urban forest by planting new trees that provide cleaner air, cooler neighborhoods, and healthier habitats.
🌿 Forest Restoration
Support the removal of invasive plants like ivy and privet to protect native species. Projects take place every Friday and Saturday.
📋 Front Desk Volunteering
Prefer something indoors? Greet guests and support administrative tasks at the Kendeda TreeHouse during weekday shifts.
⭐ Project Ambassadors
Help first‑time volunteers feel welcome by assisting with sign‑ins, answering questions, and capturing photos of the day’s work.
Grow Your Skills: Pruning & Docent Training
Trees Atlanta also offers hands‑on learning opportunities:
- Pruning Projects & Classes
Learn how to train young trees to grow strong and healthy. Start with Pruning 101, then advance to 102 and 103 to become a Certified Tree Pruner. - Docent Training Program (Begins on Saturday, January 24th)
This multi‑week program prepares volunteers to lead walking tours through the BeltLine Arboretum and other green spaces. Youth and adults are welcome.
Finding Your Tree Personality
As Volunteer Coordinator Intern Eboni Johnson beautifully shares, every tree has a personality and are flexible river birches, resilient baldcypress, and graceful dogwoods. The more time you spend planting, pruning, and restoring, the more you begin to see these traits up close. Volunteering becomes more than service; it becomes a connection. Email Eboni today for more information and opportunities.
Join the Movement
Whether you are planting your first tree, leading a tour, or greeting visitors at the TreeHouse, your time helps shape Atlanta’s future. Trees Atlanta thrives because volunteers show up, care deeply, and believe in the power of community.
Ready to make your mark? Then lace up your boots because Atlanta’s urban forest is calling.
