Join Friends of Shelby and Metro Water Services as we plant the next generation of shade trees in Shelby Park!
What will volunteers be doing at this event?
Volunteers will be planting large, young trees at the base of Windmill Hill in Shelby Park. We will be using tools like shovels, pick mattocks, and wire cutters to dig holes, and then work together to plant and cover the trees' root balls. The trees can be heavy, up to 100 pounds, so we will work in teams to get them planted.
What is the community impact of this event?
Trees are known for their ecological importance for water filtration, providing clean air, and for the animals and insects that rely on them for food and shelter. From a human standpoint, trees provide shade and help purify the water and air we need to live. Some of these trees will outlive us, meaning the work we do here will impact generations after we're gone!
Accessibility:
This can be a strenuous job, and it requires volunteers to be able to walk, bend, and kneel over uneven ground while digging the holes. Volunteers should be prepared to do heavy digging and lifting work for the duration of the project. There is a parking lot nearby that you can easily walk over from, and there are typically port-a-potties within walking distance as well.
What should volunteers bring or wear?
Volunteers are required to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants for your safety. Due to the time of year, please be sure to wear adequate cold weather gear, like coats, scarves, hats, and warm socks. Friends of Shelby will provide everything else (work gloves, all tools, a water cooler with cups, and snacks).
What’s next?
Once you sign up, you'll receive an email the week of the event with more information on parking, weather, etc. If you have questions before then, please reach out to cd@friendsofshelby.org. Hope to see you out there!
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Founded in 2008, Friends of Shelby is a private, nonprofit organization working to preserve, enhance, and promote Shelby Park and Bottoms for everyone to appreciate and protect. We work to protect the natural and historical integrity of the area by supporting appropriate recreational activities, maintaining and enhancing its features, promoting programs that inspire appreciation and conservation of the Park and Bottoms, and advocating for a level playing field for the various user groups.
