When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Friends of Trees
Why Friends of Trees is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Friends of Trees is a remarkable organization dedicated to fostering community spirit and environmental stewardship through tree planting. Since its inception in 1989, it has engaged over 100,000 volunteers in planting nearly one million trees and native shrubs across the Pacific Northwest. This community organization emphasizes the power of collective action with the simple yet impactful mission to plant trees together. Friends of Trees organizes public tree-planting and care events from October to May, inviting individuals, groups, and corporate teams to participate in restoring and beautifying neighborhoods, parks, and natural spaces. Beyond just tree planting, Friends of Trees offers opportunities for people to own street or yard trees, contributing directly to greener urban environments. The organization’s accessible events and volunteer programs make it an ideal place for friends to meet, bond over a common cause, and make a visible difference in their surroundings. Their efforts not only enhance local ecosystems but also build relationships and a sense of shared purpose among participants. The combination of environmental impact and social connection makes Friends of Trees an exceptional venue for community involvement and friendship.
Here's what people think of Friends of Trees
As of recent, Friends of Trees holds a 4.2-star rating based on 39 reviews.
Reviewers generally appreciate Friends of Trees for its meaningful mission and the positive impact of its volunteer events. Many users highlight the welcoming and well-organized nature of tree planting activities, praising how the organization fosters a sense of community and environmental responsibility. Positive reviews commonly mention the enjoyable experience of working outdoors, the friendliness of the staff and fellow volunteers, and the satisfaction derived from contributing to local green spaces. Volunteers also appreciate the educational aspect, gaining knowledge about tree care and environmental stewardship. However, some negative reviews point to challenges such as occasional communication issues regarding event details or scheduling, and the physical demands of planting work, which may not be suitable for everyone. A few users note that while the events are rewarding, access or registration processes could sometimes be streamlined. Overall, the reviews reflect a strong appreciation for Friends of Trees’ work and community spirit, balanced with constructive feedback aimed at enhancing volunteer experience. This suggests that Friends of Trees remains a respected and valued organization with room to improve operational aspects for greater volunteer satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kara
This is a TERRIBLE organization. They planted the wrong tree and now I have to deal with the city which requires an act of GOD to take the tree out. The sidewalk is getting jacked too because they planted a large oak in a parking strip. JFC - the city of Portland sucks ass too, if don’t want to deal with permits and a load of BS don’t plant trees and don’t let this organization near your property. Free is not free.
simon h
I’ve called seven times and left seven messages. I’ve emailed at least eight times and left eight emails. I have yet to get any communication back. This has been going on for weeks. I would love to have a tree since I’ve had them in the past. But no matter what I do, I don’t think I’ll be able to get one because no one answers the phone or returns the calls and not one person has responded to an email. All I get is automated replies. So for that reason alone, I probably won’t end up with a tree that I would like to put in my backyard! If no one can communicate with you in anyway, how is the public supposed to get help when they have a question? The location in our backyard requires us to ask for advice first on location. But what are you doing? No one answers or response. I know they are shortstaffed, but if you can’t return any type of communication, that’s a problem, especially when the person likes your organization and just wants trees!
Hua
Our backyard is rocky and hard to dig. The crew did a great job and the tree is pretty tall already. Everyone is nice and friendly. Thank you!
Christopher Mandeville
Okay this is one of my most favorite nonprofits in Portland, and one that I'm actually involved in. Their mission is to help residents plant trees. In the process they bring the community together for an annual planting day in each neighborhood. If you're looking for a place to help out and make a difference, this is a great place to volunteer. And if you help plant trees, you get to watch those trees grow and flourish with the knowledge that you help to make that happen. The planting days are very well run and organized, plus they include a potluck lunch after the work is done. They really make an effort to be inclusive of everyone. I don't know of any other place where you can get a good size tree planted for $35 or less. And all they ask in return is that you donate some food or some of your time to help out. I really encourage everyone to get involved in this organization!
Gow Litzenburger
What a great group, "Friends of Trees" is !! As a career nurseryman, I must say, I was extremely impressed during a recent tree planting event. This group is working wonders in Portland, Oregon and beyond to restore and maintain their urban forest !! The staff and other volunteers were so welcoming to this out of state visitor, I can hardly wait to come back and lend a hand again soon !! Great work and congratulations on a half million trees planted. I think we will all breathe a little easier !!
How to reach Friends of Trees
None
Website: None
Why rally at Friends of Trees with your friends?
Gathering with friends or family at Friends of Trees offers a unique and meaningful experience unlike any ordinary meetup spot. This organization is not just about trees; it is a community movement dedicated to improving urban environments by planting trees together. Rallying here means participating in a collaborative effort that combines outdoor activity, environmental stewardship, and social connection. Whether you're looking to enjoy fresh air, give back to the community, or simply spend a day outdoors with your group, Friends of Trees provides an enriching backdrop for your get-together. The hands-on involvement in planting trees deepens bonds as everyone shares a purposeful activity that literally grows stronger over time. This makes Friends of Trees an exceptional place where friends and family can connect meaningfully, contribute positively to their surroundings, and create lasting memories beyond typical social venues.
What activities can you enjoy at Friends of Trees and why is it perfect for group meetups?
Friends of Trees centers around tree planting events designed for volunteers of all skill levels, making it perfect for group participation. These events often involve planting yard or street trees in neighborhoods across the Portland Metro area. Groups can sign up to plant trees together, work side-by-side digging, positioning, and caring for young trees. Beyond the active planting, there are roles like driving trucks, organizing materials, or helping with volunteer lunches, ensuring everyone in a group can contribute in ways that suit them best. This mix of physical activity and teamwork makes it an engaging, collaborative experience that builds a sense of community and accomplishment.
The organization also offers educational opportunities about urban forestry and environmental care, making meetups both fun and informative. Groups can learn about the right trees for the right places and how to nurture them for long-term growth. This knowledge sharing is excellent for those interested in sustainability or looking to make eco-conscious lifestyle changes together.
Furthermore, being outdoors amid the greenery and enjoying the fresh air makes Friends of Trees a healthy alternative to conventional meetups in cafes or indoor venues. The natural setting lends itself well to relaxed conversations and strengthens social bonds while simultaneously benefiting the environment.
Why choose Friends of Trees for a meetup instead of a traditional venue?
Choosing Friends of Trees over a restaurant or park offers several unique advantages for social groups. Unlike typical venues, this is an interactive, purposeful meetup space where participants can actively contribute to environmental restoration. It offers a break from passive consumption and encourages active participation, which fosters deeper connections among friends or family. The shared labor of planting trees cultivates teamwork and provides a rewarding sense of achievement that lasts beyond the day’s event — you have a tangible, living result of your time together.
Its community-driven ethos means that every meeting supports broader neighborhood improvement, blending socializing with civic engagement. This aligns groups around common values of stewardship and sustainability, creating a meaningful collective experience. Moreover, Friends of Trees encourages inclusivity with volunteer opportunities suitable for all ages and abilities, making it ideal for diverse groups wanting to spend quality time together while making a positive impact.
How does Friends of Trees organize its tree planting events for volunteer groups?
Friends of Trees schedules its planting events seasonally, typically in the fall and winter months when planting is most beneficial for young trees’ survival and growth. Groups interested in volunteering can register online, selecting the type and location of trees suited to their neighborhood or yard. The organization coordinates with city agencies to determine the appropriate species for each planting spot, ensuring ecological fit and long-term success.
On event days, volunteers arrive at designated planting sites where they receive tools, instructions, and guidance from experienced staff and coordinators. Friends of Trees fosters a supportive environment, offering demonstrations and tips for proper tree planting techniques. Groups work together through the entire process — from digging holes to installing water basins — while enjoying breaks and volunteer-provided refreshments that promote social interaction.
This well-organized structure makes it easy for groups to participate, whether for a casual day with friends, a family outing, or a corporate team-building event focused on environmental responsibility. The friendly, community-oriented atmosphere and clear guidance make the experience both accessible and rewarding.
What additional benefits does Friends of Trees provide for group activities?
Beyond tree planting, Friends of Trees emphasizes community building through education and engagement. Volunteers can subscribe to newsletters like “Tree Bark” to stay informed about urban forestry, tree care, and upcoming events. This ongoing communication helps groups remain connected and inspired to continue their environmental efforts beyond a single meetup.
The organization also offers support for schools, businesses, parks, and multi-family housing projects interested in greening their spaces. This opens opportunities for groups to expand their involvement into larger projects or recurring initiatives that enhance local green infrastructure. By participating in these programs, friends and families can take pride in contributing to lasting improvements in their community’s health and beauty.
At Friends of Trees, the focus on equity and inclusion ensures that all community members feel welcome to participate, making it an inviting and respectful place to come together. Volunteers find themselves part of a diverse and passionate network dedicated to creating healthier urban environments, which strengthens social ties and creates a shared sense of purpose.
Why is Friends of Trees rated so highly and what do people say about their experience there?
With a solid rating of 4.2 based on numerous reviews, Friends of Trees garners positive feedback largely due to its well-organized events, friendly volunteer staff, and meaningful impact on neighborhoods. Participants often highlight the satisfaction of physically contributing to tree planting and seeing the results flourish over time. Reviewers appreciate the welcoming community spirit and the opportunity to learn about sustainable practices while spending quality outdoor time.
Many users also commend the accessible nature of volunteering, noting that activities suit a wide range of ages and abilities. The organization’s ability to coordinate volunteers smoothly and provide necessary supplies and instruction helps reduce barriers to participation and enhances overall enjoyment. The social element of working alongside others who share similar values creates a warm and motivational atmosphere.
Overall, Friends of Trees is recognized not just as a site for planting trees, but as a vibrant hub for community interaction and environmental camaraderie, making it an outstanding choice for group meetups focused on shared values and active contribution.
What should groups know before visiting Friends of Trees for a meetup?
Groups planning to rally at Friends of Trees should prepare for an outdoor, often hands-on experience that may involve physical activity. It’s advisable to dress comfortably with sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing since planting events take place rain or shine. Volunteers should be ready to get a little dirty while planting, digging, and watering trees.
Registration is essential to participate in planting events, so groups should sign up in advance to reserve their spots and receive relevant information about dates, locations, and necessary materials. The organization often provides tools and gloves, but participants may want to bring their own water bottles and sun protection.
Although the activities are accessible, some physical exertion is involved, so groups with young children or elderly members should consider these factors while planning. However, Friends of Trees offers a range of roles beyond physical planting — including assisting with logistics, driving, or supporting volunteer coordination — so everyone can find a suitable way to contribute.
In sum, gearing up appropriately and registering early ensures a smooth, enjoyable, and impactful experience for group meetups at Friends of Trees.
How does Friends of Trees contribute to urban environmental health and why does it matter for your community meetup?
Friends of Trees plants nearly a million trees and native shrubs throughout the Pacific Northwest neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas since its founding in 1989. This massive greening effort improves urban air quality, provides shade, reduces stormwater runoff, and enhances neighborhood aesthetics. By choosing this venue for your meetup, your group actively participates in strengthening local ecosystems.
Tree planting combats urban heat islands, promotes biodiversity, and creates peaceful green spaces for communities to enjoy. Volunteers help increase canopy cover, which contributes to carbon sequestration and mitigates climate change effects locally. These collective environmental benefits affect every resident’s quality of life, making your meetup socially and ecologically valuable.
Engaging in this work together with friends connects your social life directly to positive environmental change. This creates a sense of pride and stewardship that ripples outward, inspiring others to join and multiply the impact. Choosing Friends of Trees means your group isn’t just gathering — you’re creating a legacy of sustainability and community wellness.
Can Friends of Trees meet the needs of corporate or large group team-building events?
Friends of Trees welcomes larger groups and corporate teams looking for purposeful team-building experiences. Unlike typical corporate outings, planting events here incorporate teamwork with real-world environmental impact. Companies and organizations can schedule group volunteer days that emphasize collaboration, problem-solving, and shared responsibility in an outdoor, healthy setting.
Large groups benefit from the tangible outcomes of planting trees that will grow and beautify the community for decades. The organizational support provided by Friends of Trees helps structure events for efficiency and engagement, including briefing, supplies, and volunteer coordination. This transforms corporate volunteer programs into rewarding, memorable experiences that also fulfill corporate social responsibility goals.
Such activities foster camaraderie, increase employee morale, and strengthen group bonds through a common mission. For companies wanting to demonstrate environmental commitment and enhance team dynamics, Friends of Trees provides an ideal venue with proven success in volunteer engagement and ecological benefits.
What makes Friends of Trees stand out among other community volunteer opportunities?
Friends of Trees distinguishes itself through its singular focus on tree planting combined with inclusive community engagement. Unlike broader volunteer programs that may scatter effort thinly, this organization channels energy into growing trees — literally and figuratively — to create long-lasting neighborhood change. The tangible results of planting a tree make the work highly visible and rewarding.
Its model of partnering with city programs, neighborhoods, and schools across the Portland Metro area ensures coordinated impact and local relevance. The emphasis on equity and inclusion welcomes diverse participation, strengthening social fabric alongside environmental health.
Additionally, Friends of Trees provides extensive educational resources and continued involvement opportunities, transforming initial volunteers into lifelong environmental advocates. This continuity builds a strong, resilient community dedicated to sustainability.
Overall, it offers a well-structured, meaningful, and enjoyable volunteer experience that is perfect for friends and families wanting to spend quality time together while making a real difference.
By choosing Friends of Trees as a venue for your next meetup, you invite your friends and family to engage in meaningful environmental stewardship while enjoying the camaraderie of working together outdoors. The blend of purposeful activity, community spirit, and lasting ecological impact ensures not just a day well spent, but a relationship with the community and the environment that extends far beyond. Whether you’re planting your first tree or your hundredth, Friends of Trees provides a perfect setting for groups to connect, learn, and grow together.