Volunteer at a Community Tree Giveaway
Help give free trees to people in the community!
The County of San Diego's Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program gives free trees to people in unincorporated communities. Volunteers help with tree giveaways held at County parks.
Review the available shifts below and choose one or more when you sign up. No experience is needed. Scroll to the bottom of this page to apply.
Event Date & Volunteer Shifts
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Choose one or more volunteer shifts:
- Shift 1 – Setup + Tree Giveaway: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Shift 2 – Tree Giveaway: 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM
- Shift 3 – Tree Giveaway + Cleanup: 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
You may sign up for more than one shift.
Location
Dos Picos County Park
17953 Dos Picos Park Road
Ramona, CA 92065
Event Location: The event will be held in the picnic day-use parking lot. For direct access to the event, use 18095 Dos Picos Park Road, Ramona, CA 92065.
Parking: Enter the park from 18095 Dos Picos Park Road and follow the three Tree Giveaway signs to the event and designated volunteer parking area. Parking is free for volunteers.
What You'll Do
Volunteer tasks may include:
- Greet and check in community members
- Organize trees for pickup
- Load trees into vehicles
- Direct community members through the pickup area
- Share tree care information provided by County staff
- Engage with community members in a positive and respectful manner
- Keep the event area clean and organized
The first shift also helps set up tables, signs, canopies, trees, and other event supplies.
The last shift also helps pack supplies and clean up after the event.
Physical Activity and Accessibility
Tasks have different levels of physical activity.
Some tasks include standing, walking, bending, and lifting or moving trees up to 25 pounds. Hand trucks and other tools are available to help move trees and supplies.
You do not need to lift trees to volunteer. Other tasks, such as check-in and community support, do not require lifting trees.
What to Expect
Tree giveaways are usually held outdoors in a parking lot. Volunteers may work on asphalt or concrete and around trees, vehicles, event equipment, and members of the public.
Some roles involve regular contact with community members. Other roles focus more on trees, supplies, and event support.
County staff will provide instructions and help volunteers with their assigned tasks. No tree care experience is needed.
What to Wear and Bring
Please come prepared to work outdoors.
Wear:
- Comfortable clothes for the weather
- Closed-toe shoes
- A hat and sunglasses, if helpful
Bring:
- Sunscreen
- A reusable water bottle
- Snacks, if needed
Volunteer Requirements
- Ages 16 and older
- Follow instructions from County staff and event leads
- Follow event safety rules
- Treat community members, volunteers, and staff with respect
More Ways to Help Trees Grow
Want a free tree for your property?
See if your property is eligible for free trees through the County's Equity-Driven Tree Planting Program. Learn about available trees, eligibility, and how to apply.
Planting trees at home?
Help the County track trees planted across the region. Learn about the Parks and Recreation Resident Tree Planting Program and add your trees to the Tree Plotter.
Learn about the Resident Tree Planting Program and Tree Plotter
Want to give away, plant, or care for trees in County parks?
Explore Parks and Recreation volunteer opportunities. Search “trees,” “tree planting,” or “tree giveaway” to find opportunities to give away, plant, and care for trees in County parks.
Search volunteer and service opportunities
Celebrate 80 Years with 80 Hours!
This volunteer opportunity is eligible for the 80-Hour Volunteer Challenge!
Celebrate San Diego County Parks' 80th anniversary by completing 80 eligible volunteer hours from August 2026 through August 2027.
Want to participate? Select Yes in the 80-Hour Volunteer Challenge section of your volunteer profile.
Participants who complete the challenge will receive a commemorative 80th Anniversary Challenge Coin and Certificate of Completion.
