Planting Crew Leader Training

Enjoy the idea of learning from and leading community members to plant trees?

Looking for a direct way to address climate change?

Want to make a lasting, positive impact in a fun outdoor environment?

“What is the difference between the Green Space program and the Neighborhood Trees program?”

• Green Space
  • planting small-stock (1 gallon size) native trees and shrubs in an ecological restoration style
  • lead a crew of 10-20 people
  • most planting sites not accessible by public transportation or bike, your own private transportation is needed
  • planting event locations: Washington County [Beaverton, Hillsboro, Forest Grove,  North Plains, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin], Clackamas County [Happy Valley, Wilsonville], Multnomah County [Gresham, N/E Portland]
• Neighborhood Trees
  • planting larger-stock trees (6-10′ tall) in neighborhoods, creating more livable communities and addressing the impact of heat islands
  • lead a crew of 5-8 people
  • many planting events accessible by public transportation or bike
  • planting events locations: Clark County [Vancouver], Washington County [Beaverton, Cedar Mill/Cedar Hills], Multnomah County [Portland, Gresham, Troutdale], and Clackamas County [Happy Valley, Milwaukie, Oregon City]

“What is required of Crew Leaders?” All Crew Leaders complete an online training (1-2 hours) and in-person training (4-5 hours). The online presentation and reading material will be sent two-weeks in advance of your in-person training, please complete them before your in-person training. Following the training, Crew Leaders are expected to sign-up and attend 4 planting events to help lead crews to plant trees.

“Do I need to have planted a tree before?” Nope. You also don’t need outdoor experience, or any fancy gear. You simply need an interest in trees and enthusiasm in helping mentor others to plant them. FOT staff, arborists, and already trained Crew Leaders will teach you everything else you need to know!

“Where do Crew Leaders volunteer?” Crew Leaders select their events at locations across the Portland-Vancouver metro region.  Many events are in Washington County, East Multnomah County, and Clark County.

“What is the time commitment for this role?” In total, you are expected to commit ~22 hours (this includes the online modules, in-person training + 4 planting events, ~4 hrs each). The planting events are mostly on Saturday mornings and you’ll have dozens to choose from October-April.  We’ll send you a list of events you’re qualified for after you complete training.

“Do you have any age requirements?” We ask that Crew Leaders are age 16 or older. Youth 15 and younger are welcome to become Crew Leaders but we ask that they have an adult with them for the training and all 4+ of their events.

“Do I need my own vehicle / Do you provide carpools?” While we try to promote carpooling, we hear from Crew Leaders that they are rarely able to connect with our carpool tool.  Some events are accessible by public transportation or bike, while others require a private vehicle.  We recognize it’s a barrier to have access to a private vehicle, and it is also recommended for this role.

“What does a planting look and feel like?” Check out this quick 2 minute YouTube video to get a feel for Friends of Trees events. Crew Leaders are wearing the colorful “Friends of Trees” vests.

“I have more questions!” Please refer to the Volunteer FAQ webpage or reach out to us: [email protected] / 503-595-0213