Spring Valley County Parks and Preserves

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 , January 9, 2027

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

Location

Spring Valley County Park
8735 Jamacha Blvd.
Spring Valley, CA 91977

Event Location: The tree giveaway will be held in the Jamacha Park & Ride, directly in front of the Spring Valley Community Center. The Park & Ride connects to the Community Center parking lot through the double gates.

Parking: Volunteers should park in the Spring Valley County Park parking areas near the Community Center or farther inside the park. Enter through the main park driveway and follow the interior park road to available parking. Please do not park in the Community Center parking lot or Jamacha Park & Ride, which are reserved for the tree giveaway and event operations.

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.

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.