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OVERVIEW
Our Tree Stewards help lead our planting teams during the fall and winter. During the spring and summer, they're out in the field—assessing, pruning, mulching, watering, staking, and otherwise caring for the hundreds of trees we've planted in recent years as they get established.
Ready to dig in and make a lasting impact?
Through four interactive classes, you'll learn the essentials of tree care, from planting and pruning to mulching and watering, all under the skilled guidance of Bartlett Tree Experts.
We ask that Stewards attend at least three of the four sessions.
Partnerships Make Planting & Maintenance Possible
The City of Wilmington supports our Tree Stewards initiative through a yearly contract, and we're incredibly grateful for their support as we restore our urban tree canopy.
Together, we’re not just planting trees—we’re cultivating long-term care, community connection, and a greener future for all.
Bartlett Tree Experts strengthens our roots—literally and figuratively. As our 2025 Preservation Partner, Bartlett not only donates generously to support our work, but also provides invaluable training for our volunteer Tree Stewards.
Their expert arborists equip our community corps with the knowledge to care for the young trees we plant throughout the city, ensuring their survival and success. It's a partnership grounded in science, generosity, and a shared love for trees.
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Steward-Only Service Opportunities
Your All-Access Pass to Tree Action
Whether you're eager to plant, mulch, or support tree giveaways, these roles are reserved for those ready to go beyond the basics. As a Tree Steward, you’re part of an active volunteer corps with access to hands-on opportunities throughout the year—from watering young saplings in summer to leading community planting days in cooler months. It’s the perfect fit for those who want to dig in more often and be part of a dedicated team that’s restoring canopy, block by block.
Watering Truck Volunteer
* Days vary, can work with your availability.
Water volunteers are needed for this routine role of taking the water truck to water our newly planted trees. You will receive a brief training and be partnered with an experienced water volunteer.
Legion Stadium Tree Giveaway Setup
Thursday, December 4th | Legion Stadium (2149 Carolina Beach Road)
Giveaway setup volunteers play a key role by unloading the tree delivery truck and staging trees for the giveaway. You should be comfortable lifting and carrying small trees for this hands-on task.
Legion Stadium Tree Giveaway
Saturday, December 6th | Legion Stadium (2149 Carolina Beach Road)
Giveaway volunteers step into one of several key roles that help make the event a success—greeting attendees, distributing materials, offering guidance with tree selection, or helping transport trees to vehicles.
Northside Tree Planting
Saturday, January 10th
Planting volunteers are needed to help bring more than 100 new trees to the Northside neighborhood in Downtown Wilmington. Volunteers will assist with digging holes, planting trees, and mulching.
Mulching Day
Saturday, January 17th | Legion Stadium
Mulching volunteers help mulch our newly planted trees throughout the downtown area. Volunteers work in pairs to load and spread mulch and prune as needed. We’re in need of four pickup trucks to help transport materials.
GLOW Academy Tree Planting
Friday, January 30th (Tentative)
Volunteers are needed to help plant new trees in the Wilmington area. Join us to dig, plant, and mulch as we grow a greener, healthier community—one tree at a time.
Downtown Wilmington Tree Giveaway
Saturday, February 14th | D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy | 8AM - 1PM
Giveaway volunteers step into one of several key roles that help make the event a success—greeting attendees, distributing materials, offering guidance with tree selection, or helping transport trees to vehicles.
D.C. Virgo Tree Planting
Sunday, February 22nd | D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy
Volunteers are needed to help plant new trees in the Wilmington area. Join us to dig, plant, and mulch as we grow a greener, healthier community—one tree at a time.
Riegelwood Tree Giveaway
Saturday, March 7th | Riegelwood Baptist Church | 8AM - 1PM
Giveaway volunteers step into one of several key roles that help make the event a success—greeting attendees, distributing materials, offering guidance with tree selection, or helping transport trees to vehicles.