Lake Morena County Park

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 Dates & Volunteer Shifts

This is a two-day volunteer event. You may volunteer on Friday, Saturday, or both days.

Friday, March 5, 2027 – Tree Delivery & Event Preparation

• 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Tree Unloading + Organization

Volunteers will help unload trees and organize them for Saturday's community tree giveaway.

Saturday, March 6, 2027 – Community Tree Giveaway

Choose one or more shifts:

• Shift 1: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Shift 2: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Location

Lake Morena County Park
2550 Lake Morena Drive
Campo, CA 91906

What You'll Do

Volunteer tasks depend on the day and shift you choose.

Friday – Tree Delivery & Event Preparation

Volunteers will help:

• Unload trees from delivery vehicles
• Move and organize trees for the giveaway
• Prepare the tree pickup area
• Organize event supplies as needed

Saturday – Community Tree Giveaway

Volunteers may help:

• 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
• Keep the event area clean and organized

The last Saturday 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.

Learn about free trees

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.