Now in its second year, EnviroCentre’s Plant Your Place! program is doubling in size: 2,400 free trees will be distributed to Ottawa residents this spring to help green private properties across the city. Volunteers are needed to help make this possible.
Trees absorb rainwater, clean the air, capture carbon, keep our streets cool in summer, and help lower heating and cooling costs — all while making our neighbourhoods more beautiful and biodiverse. With roughly 40% of Ottawa’s urban area on private property, every tree planted by a resident is a real win for the city’s canopy.
Spring Distribution Events
Participants will pick up their trees at five distribution events this spring. Volunteer shifts are posted below. You’re invited to sign up for as many shifts as you like!
Saturday, May 9 — 373 Legget Dr.
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 23 — 650 Earl Armstrong Rd.
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 — 300 Coventry Rd.
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 6 — 2035 Trim Rd.
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 13 — 3478 Moodie Dr.
- 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
What You’ll Be Doing
Most volunteer roles involve hands-on, outdoor work:
- Setting up the site and arranging trees into rows
- Loading trees into participants’ vehicles
Some volunteers will also help with:
- Welcoming participants as they arrive
- Confirming names and orders at check-in
No experience necessary. EnviroCentre staff will provide on-site training at each event and will be there to support you throughout the event. Please note that volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Ready to Volunteer? Sign up Today!
Volunteers are asked to save the dates early so we can plan ahead and give everyone plenty of advance notice. Confirmed details, instructions, and reminders will be sent closer to each event. Know someone who’d love to get involved? Please pass this along. The more volunteers, the better these events run for everyone.
For more information about the program, visit www.plantyourplace.ca
