Volunteer Opportunities

Growing Native is made possible by the efforts of volunteers and partners throughout the watershed. Every fall, thousands of Growing Native volunteers collect native hardwood tree seeds, such as acorns and walnuts. These seeds are donated to state nurseries, which grow them into seedlings. In the spring, volunteers plant seedlings grown from seeds collected two to three years prior along the banks of rivers and streams in their communities.

There are many ways to participate in Growing Native:

Individuals:
There are four ways in which an individual can become involved in Growing Native:

  1. Gather seeds in your own backyard or at an approved community location. This can be done on your own, as a family, or with your neighbors and friends. Local parks often make good collection sites, but be sure to first confirm that such activity is allowed.
  2. Join in a public collection event. Throughout October, various groups will be hosting seed collections that the public is invited to attend. This is a fun way to meet fellow community members. Find a public event near you under our list of collection sites.
  3. Organize a public collection event. Take the lead in coordinating a seed collection for your Scout troop, synagogue, community association, business, or other group. Learn more about becoming a site organizer.
  4. Serve as a Growing Native Ambassador. Help spread the word about this important conservation program by serving as a Growing Native representative at community events. Training is provided. Interested? More information is available here or contact us at coordinator@growingnative.org.

back to top

Community Groups:
Strengthen community ties by involving your organization in Growing Native.  As a Growing Native site organizer, you have the opportunity to raise local community awareness about your youth group, church group, citizen or community association, or business while helping to protect local rivers and streams.

In addition to the seed collection advice above, there are other avenues get your community or church group involved with Growing Native:

  • Lead a seed collection. To get started, register your group. Registrants will receive a site leader kit with complete materials and instructions. Much of this information is also available for download.
  • Sponsor a seed drop-off site. Your group can organize and monitor an official drop-off site for your community, making it even easier for citizens to become involved in Growing Native. Materials and training will be provided. Interested? Contact coordinator@growingnative.org to learn more.
  • Spread the word. Growing Native. Growing Native representatives can attend community events, talk to participants about how they can become involved in collecting seeds and planting trees. To invite a Growing Native representative, contact coordinator@growingnative.org.
  • Organize a spring tree planting.There is no better way to bring your group's fall seed collection efforts full-circle than to involve everyone in a tree planting in the spring. Contact coordinator@growingnative.org or check this website for future planting events.

back to top

Educators:
In addition to the seed collection advice above, educators and schools have a special opportunity to help their students learn about the value of trees through Growing Native:

  • Create a Grow-out Station. Establish a small tree nursery on your campus or nearby where students can nurture some of the seeds they collect into new trees. Very little space is needed, and the resulting seedlings can be returned to your campus or local community through planting projects. To learn more, contact the Growing Native Project Director.

back to top