The future of our urban forest looks bright thanks to the young people who have become tree leaders throughout the region. This next generation of tree stewards are leaving an indelible green mark on their communities by using tree plantings as a powerful catalyst for positive transformation. Planting and caring for trees are tangible ways for young people to take the future into their own hands. It’s also a great way to keep our air and water clean, reduce the effects of climate change, and inspire others to steward our environment. 

Making change in your own backyard

Last October, local girl scout Jamie contacted the City of Folsom and the Tree Foundation to organize a tree planting at Handy Family Park in Folsom. Jamie and her family attended the Tree Foundation’s Community Tree Leader training to prepare her to be a tree leader. Thanks to Jamie’s initiative, 25 trees were planted! Over 50 volunteers helped to get trees in the ground—many were residents and Jamie’s fellow girl scouts and peers. Jamie and her troop were provided resources on how to continue caring for the trees after the event. She will also earn her Girl Scout Gold Award this June to honor the project’s completion. 

The Tree Foundation’s volunteer events have also provided a great opportunity for high school students to earn community service hours while making positive changes in their own backyards. Since 2022, volunteer Maximus and his friends Jeremy and Kristian have spent many of their weekends in the dirt with us planting trees, harvesting acorns, and tending to established trees. Not only are they completing their high school graduation requirements, they are gaining practical skills and experience while also helping grow the region’s tree canopy. Since the start of this year’s planting season, dedicated volunteers like Jamie and Max and his friends have planted 130 trees at six different schools and parks across the Sacramento region! The Sacramento Tree Foundation is excited to see more young people take charge of their futures by stewarding their urban forest. Here’s how you can get involved: 

Apply for free trees to beautify your community

The Sacramento Tree Foundation can provide expertise, support, and trees to help green your neighborhoods, schools, parks, streets, and gathering spaces. Although we site and deliver free trees for any property in Sacramento County, we prioritize supporting community-led projects in areas with low tree canopy because of historical under-investment. Our focus areas include the River District, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, and large areas of North and South Sacramento. Contact us to find out what resources are available in your neighborhood or apply for a community planting.

Volunteer with us

From tree plantings and stewardship events to community science, there are year-round opportunities for all ages to get involved. Check out our events calendar to find a tree planting or stewardship event near you.

Are you a college student interested in learning more about working in urban forestry? Visit us at one of these events:

UC Davis Sustainability Career Fair

Do you know a UC Davis student who might be interested in a career working in the environmental and sustainability industry? Designed to expose UC Davis undergraduate students to a wide range of environmental and sustainable career pathways and current organizations in the field, the UC Davis Sustainability Career Fair is a great place to learn more. Visit us on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.) at the ARC Conference Center.

Annual Folsom Lake College Internship & Job Fair

Would you like to learn more about working in urban forestry? If you’re a current Folsom Lake College student or alumni stop by our booth and chat with us! Drop by on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 (10 a.m. – 1:0 p.m.) at the Main Folsom Campus, Quad.