Are you interested in becoming a volunteer but don’t know where to start? We have lots of opportunities for all ages to get involved with stewarding our urban forest, from planting trees to invasive species removal.
By becoming a volunteer, you can help ensure that our city’s urban forest continues to grow and stay healthy for the enjoyment of future generations.
Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and all volunteers must complete a waiver before participation (with a parent or guardian's signature for volunteers under 18).
Tree Planting, Care, and Maintenance
The city plants new trees each spring and fall to enhance city parks, neighborhoods, and other community spaces. Volunteers can get involved in tree planting and young tree maintenance each year on Arbor Day (during the last week of April) and during the city's official tree planting seasons (Mar. 15 - May 31, Sept. 15 - Nov. 30). Tree planting events on city property qualify for Stormwater Utility Credit.
Invasive Species Management
Community members of all ages and abilities are invited to help restore our parks and woodlands by attending a volunteer workday hosted through the city's Forest Rescues program. Invasive removal events in RPAs qualify for Stormwater Utility Credit.
Upcoming Events
View all City Events
Looking for litter clean-up opportunities? Visit our Community Cleanups page.
Forest Rescuers are more than just volunteers — they are ambassadors for healthier forests and sustainable landscaping. Our Forest Rescuer Certification Program is designed for volunteers who want to become super-stewards in their communities. Supported by city staff and resources, Forest Rescuers work independently on habitat restoration projects in parks across the city, leading visible, impactful stewardship of our urban forest.
To become a Forest Rescuer, community members should meet our application requirements and apply online.
Completion of Training
Attend an official Forest Rescuers training with the Stewardship Coordinator. Trainings (typically 2 hours) are free and open to any individual interested in learning more about the importance of nature and biodiversity in Fairfax City.
Volunteer Experience
Complete at least two volunteer workdays removing invasive plants (minimum four hours combined total) with the city or a similar invasive management program.
Example programs include Fairfax County Invasive Management Area, Arlington County RiP, Earth Sangha, Friends of Accotink Creek, The Clifton Institute, Reston Association's Habitat Heroes, Northern Virginia Bird Alliance, and Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.
Please email the Stewardship Coordinator (sophia.chapin@fairfaxva.gov) if you have questions about whether your experience qualifies.
Age Restrictions
Volunteers under 18 will require a parent or guardian's consent to participate. Volunteers 15 years old or younger will require supervision from a parent or guardian to participate; if this applies to your child, please contact the Stewardship Coordinator (sophia.chapin@fairfaxva.gov) prior to submitting an application.
Waiver & Liability
All volunteers must complete a liability waiver to participate in the Forest Rescues Program. Waivers can be emailed to sophia.chapin@fairfaxva.gov or hand-delivered to the office of Community Development & Planning at City Hall (Room 207).
Application
Please make sure you have met the program requirements before submitting your application.
Forest Rescuer application
The Stewardship Coordinator reviews Forest Rescuer applications within 5-7 business days of submission. Application status updates will be sent via email.
Once certification is approved, applicants will meet with the Stewardship Coordinator to review their site management plan(s), conduct a site walk, complete any required paperwork, and receive a brief orientation to the Forest Rescues program. A certification card, tools, and other program materials will be provided at the orientation.
We are looking to grow our network of volunteers to plant more trees and improve wildlife habitat across all city green spaces. Nature-based projects are great opportunities for team-building, spending time in the outdoors, and starting conversations, while making a real difference for the health of our environment.
Interested schools, sports teams, clubs, scouts, service organizations, HOA/civic groups, local businesses, and corporate groups should reach out to Sophia Chapin, Stewardship Coordinator, at sophia.chapin@fairfaxva.gov, 703-223-5054 for inquiries. Groups smaller than 10 should sign up individually for public events if available.
Stormwater Utility Credit Program
By participating in a city-sponsored tree planting, invasive plant removal in a Resource Protection Area (RPA), or cleanup event, city residents may be eligible for stormwater utility (SWU) credit through the city's Trees, Litter, and Creeks (TLC) Community Stewardship Program. Credit may also be earned by hosting your own event or attending a nonprofit partner event. Visit the Stormwater Utility Credit Program webpage for more information on what counts and how to apply.
Community Service Hours
For volunteers with community service hour requirements, please bring your form to the event or email the Stewardship Coordinator in advance. FCPS students can submit an x2VOL request to sophia.chapin@fairfaxva.gov after completing service hours.
Additional questions or media requests? Please contact Sophia Chapin, Stewardship Coordinator, at sophia.chapin@fairfaxva.gov, 703-223-5054 in the Department of Community Development & Planning.