Our Park Stewardship program gives residents structure and support for building community and supporting our parks’ ecosystems! 2026 is our pilot program year, with a full launch expected in 2027.
Create an experience tailored to your group’s size, availability, and interests. Our volunteer program provides an excellent opportunity for corporate groups and organizations to give back while strengthening their own teams. We can identify a park or tree project that your group will love.
Want to volunteer outside of a workday? Have a specialized skill or interest you’d like to share? Support parks and the Friends team by providing creative, administrative, logistics, and routine tool maintenance support.
Explore our Volunteer Handbook for detailed guidance on getting started, FAQs, and essential tips for making the most of your volunteer experience.
Most of Friends’ volunteer opportunities are great for teens and even children to participate in! We do not require a parent or guardian on-site for volunteers 14 years and older; volunteers under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
It is mandatory that all volunteers have a complete volunteer waiver on file before participating in a project. If you register your child online, you can fill out the form here! If not, we will blank printed forms available at the event.
Be prepared to get dirty! Wear clothes you are comfortable possibly getting oil-based paints, woodchips, and dirt on. All volunteers at tree planting and pruning projects must wear closed-toe shoes.
We also suggest layers. You can work up quite a sweat planting trees!
Volunteers should bring a snack and water. Friends does its best to provide a water source for volunteers but this is not always possible. Bring sunscreen if you are prone to sunburn.
Quite often, we plant trees and clean up parks in (light) rain or shine! Our team monitors weather reports if inclement weather is expected, and will send out an email communication before the project time if we decide to cancel. All projects will be postponed in the event of thunder.
All are welcome to volunteer! Friends of Grand Rapids Parks provide equal opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sexual preference, age, or disability. Volunteers are expected to follow all instructions given by Friends of Grand Rapids Parks staff or team leader at volunteer project.
Use of tobacco and other substances is not allowed at any Friends of Grand Rapids Parks event, with the exception of alcohol at ticketed and regulated fundraising events.
Volunteering with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks is a powerful way to give back. By joining us, you’ll help enhance local parks, support urban forestry, and inspire conservation in our parks. Whether you’re planting trees or leading a cleanup, your time makes a real difference.
Ready to get started?
