You, too, can grow greener, healthier neighborhoods with Louisville Grows!

Citizen Forester Program

(offered approx. 1 month before tree planting events)

Louisville Grows’ Citizen Forester program is a unique volunteer leadership opportunity that allows you to become an advocate for urban forestry in your community! Every Citizen Forester takes the introductory CF 101 Training Course. In this class, you will learn all about the state of Louisville’s urban tree canopy, how to plant a tree and how to lead volunteer groups on planting days. Citizen Foresters are our “rockstar” volunteers who work with the community to build capacity in urban forest management and stewardship. Our Urban Forestry efforts wouldn’t be possible without this dedicated group to coordinate volunteers on planting day, educate the public, advocate for trees, inspect trees during the summer, and provide a volunteer base for planting and outreach events.

Neighborhood Tree Plantings

(Year-Round)

Our tree plantings take place in neighborhoods with the greatest declining number of urban trees. Our trained Citizen Foresters educate and lead volunteers in planting trees on residential property for our treecipients. These are large, neighborhood-wide events that need up to 250 people to make them happen. We could use your help! Grab some family and friends and volunteer to plant some trees at an upcoming event!

Neighborhood Tree Champion

(Year-Round)

Louisville Grows’ Neighborhood Tree Champion Program empowers local residents to serve as grassroots leaders by supporting tree planting efforts across the city. This program is designed to deepen community engagement, build local stewardship, and enhance the impact of our Urban Forestry Program. Tree Champions are trained volunteers who serve as liaisons between Louisville Grows and their neighborhoods. They play a key role in preparing for plantings, educating residents, and ensuring the success of newly planted trees. By equipping residents with the knowledge and tools to advocate for urban canopy health, the program helps build long-term support for green infrastructure and community resilience.

To apply or learn more, contact Colin at .

Tree Canvassing

(Year-Round)

Canvassing is one of the most important steps in the tree planting process. We need volunteers to accompany staff members and engage with residents to find treecipients to provide homes and care for thousands of trees each year!

Greenhouse Volunteers

(Year-Round)

Every year, Louisville Grows hosts a Seeds and Starts plant sale. Help from volunteers in our greenhouse allows us to put all proceeds of this fundraiser toward our Community Garden Grant program. Volunteers start plants from seed, pot starts, mix soil, and more!

Property Maintenance

(Year-Round)

Periodically throughout the year, we need volunteer assistance to maintain our greenhouse and sustainable areas at Healthy House Our small, yet mighty, team can always use a little extra support, so this is a great way to help us day-to-day.