Help plant trees for Berkeley this spring

Join community volunteers this spring to plant trees, support pollinators, paint public spaces, or learn on a guided tree tour across Berkeley.

Come volunteer to plant trees and native plants at four events in March and April designed to help improve Berkeley's parks, a public corridor and at the waterfront.

City staff will be on site to lead the work, demonstrate techniques, share safety guidance, and answer questions as you go.

Depending on which event you attend, you'll:

• Help add shade near an active City park
• Plant a native garden to support bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
• Learn a new technique for planting trees that will grow quickly with little maintenance
• Plant trees, shrubs, and native plants near the shoreline and then take a walking tour about the symbiosis of different tree species in this area.

Events take place at San Pablo Park, South Berkeley, Willard Park, and the Berkeley Waterfront. Register in advance when noted and arrive on time ready to participate.

Pick a day to help Berkeley

Join one or more spring events to help plant, restore, and care for shared spaces across Berkeley.

• Community tree planting at San Pablo Park
  Saturday, March 7, 2026
  9:15 am - 1:00 pm
  San Pablo Park, 2800 Park Street
  Registration required
  
  Help plant a row of new trees along the northwest side of the park to rebuild canopy and add future shade near active areas. Stay after planting for lunch and a short tour of trees already growing in the park.
• Miyawaki forest planting in South Berkeley
  Saturday, March 7, 2026
  9:00 am - 3:30 pm
  Corner of Adeline Street and MLK Jr. Way
  Registration required
  
  Join community partners Green Pocket Forest and City staff to plant a dense pocket forest using native saplings in a small urban space. The Miyawaki Method of planting focuses on fast-growing habitat with little to no maintenance.
• Willard Park pollinator garden planting
  Saturday, March 28, 2026
  10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  Willard Park, 2730 Hillegass Avenue
  
  Help install a native pollinator garden that supports bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Volunteers will dig, plant, water, and learn how native gardens strengthen local ecosystems.
• Arbor Day tree planting at the Berkeley Waterfront
  Saturday, April 25, 2026
  9:30 am - 1:00 pm
  Shorebird Nature Center, 160 University Avenue
  Registration required
  
  Celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees, shrubs, and native plants near the shoreline. After planting, join a short walking tour to learn about different tree species and how they work together in this Bay-edge environment.

Bike parking is available at most event sites. Public transit access includes multiple AC Transit routes, and some locations are within walking distance of BART stations. Parking availability varies by site.

Lend a hand and care for Berkeley's parks and green spaces

Get outside, work together, and make visible improvements in your neighborhood.

These events include hands-on outdoor work like digging, planting, watering, mulching, or walking park paths. Activities take place on grass, soil, or uneven ground, and conditions may be muddy, windy, or cool depending on the site and weather.

Most events start with a short welcome and safety talk, then move into small-group work. Some events include a lunch break and time to talk with staff.

Please plan to bring:

• Closed-toe shoes that can handle dirt, mud, or paint
• Long pants
• A reusable water bottle
• Optional: your own work gloves or a favorite shovel

Tools and supplies will be available on site, so bringing your own equipment is not required. For questions or to request an accessibility accommodation, please contact [email protected] or call (510) 981-6660.

How Berkeley is planting, restoring, and caring for shared spaces

Berkeley neighborhoods have differing amounts of tree cover. Some parks and public corridors experience more sun and heat than others, which affects how comfortable they are for walking, play, and everyday use. As temperatures rise due to global warming, shade and vegetation play an increasingly important role in public health and quality of life.

The City is responding by planting trees and native plants, restoring habitat, and caring for public spaces in ways that support long-term growth and use. Planting today helps create cooler, healthier spaces in the years ahead. Pollinator gardens strengthen biodiversity at ground level, while maintenance work like fence painting helps parks feel cared for and welcoming.

Together, these efforts support climate resilience, healthier neighborhoods, and shared responsibility for Berkeley's public spaces.

These volunteer events are organized by the City of Berkeley's Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department in coordination with the Urban Forestry Unit, which manages and cares for trees across parks, streets, and public spaces.

If you are interested in applying for a tree in front of your home or business, fill out our Trees Make Life Better application. Check the area map to see if you live in one of the eight areas that are eligible.

Volunteer at one of these four events to help plant trees, build habitat, and care for Berkeley's parks this spring.

Links

• Volunteer events
  • March 7: Community tree planting at San Pablo Park
  • March 7: Miyawaki forest planting in South Berkeley
  • March 28: Willard Park pollinator garden planting
  • April 25: Arbor Day tree planting at the Berkeley Waterfront
• Volunteer Opportunities: Recreation volunteering, Adopt a Drain, Adopt a Green Infrastructure, Seniors, Animal shelter
• Sign up for our volunteering email list

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