Trees planted at 250 Birge

Spring Tree Planting Volunteer Sign Up

Join us to plant more than 1,500 trees at multiple sites in Brattleboro, Guilford, Fairfax, North Ferrisburgh and Wolcott. See details and register below for the specific date(s) and location(s) that work for you. We need all the help we can get to make Vermont rivers an even better place to enjoy this summer and beyond.

Why do we plant trees? 

  • Improved water quality via water filtration and erosion control.
  • Enhanced flood protection by slowing down water and capturing debris during floods.
  • High quality habitat for insects that fish and birds eat.
  • Shade that cools water temperatures, a benefit for fish and people.

A riparian buffer, also known as a stream buffer or streamside management zone, is a vegetated area alongside a stream, river, lake, or wetland that protects water quality and aquatic ecosystems.

A Note About Weather: Volunteers should be aware these dates are subject to change. We plant rain or shine, but may need to reschedule if the weather is truly uncooperative. If a date changes, registered volunteers will receive an email informing them of the date change.

Remember to Bring:

  • Long pants
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • Drinking water
  • Snacks and/or lunch
  • Bug repellant
  • And always be tick aware!
  • Optional: We welcome extra shovels or watering cans if you have them!

This project is made possible thanks to Watersheds United Vermont, Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Woody Buffer Block Grant (WBBG) and the Pur Projet Grant.

Green River Meadows, Guilford, April 18 and 19

Details for Green River Meadows

Date: April 18th and 19th (Choose to join one or both dates)

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 pm.

# of Trees Planting: 560

Address: 741 River Road in Guilford, VT 05301

Parking: Limited parking in gravel pull off and side of road, carpool if possible.

Locke Farm/Weaver Field, Brattleboro, April 19

Details for Locke Farm/Weaver Field Field

Date: April 19th

Time: 10 a.m. – 1 pm.

# of Trees Planting: 152

Address: 36-2 Sunset Lake Rd Brattleboro, VT 05301

Parking: Park on side of Sunset Lake Rd and a few spots in the field, limited space, carpool if possible.

Lewis Creek, N. Ferrisburgh, April 19

Details for Lewis Creek

Date: April 19th

Time: 10 a.m.

# of Trees Planting: 125

Address: 6582 US-7 North Ferrisburgh, VT 05473

More details:  The site is an ideal example of restoration, with lots of healthy trees growing. This planting will be a supplemental planting. It’s a 1/5 mile walk down a nicely maintained path to the planting site, so we’ll plan to gather at the parking lot and walk down as a group.

Wild Branch, Wolcott, April 26

Details for Getting Wild on the Wild Branch 

Important Note! This site is a half mile hike in!

Date: April 26th

Time: 10 am

# of Trees Planting: 148

Address: N Wolcott Rd Wolcott, VT turn onto Tamarack Rd and it’s a small dirt parking area on the left just after the bridge . 

Details: This site will be an adventure because of the hike in! Come prepared to carry things in and out. There are two planting locations. Volunteers will meet the site coordinator in the parking lot and get directions to the other site from there.

Goose Pond, Fairfax, April 18

Details for Goose Pond Planting

Date: April 18th

Time: 1 pm

# of Trees Planting: 300

Address: 596 Goose Pond Rd, Fairfax, VT 05454

Details: This site is a conserved area between the Lamoille River and Goose Pond and home to a Lamoille River Paddlers’ Trail Campsite. Alongside this area is impressive black walnut planting!

Do you authorize VRC to use photos of you and/or your dependents?  

  • Yes: I grant Vermont River Conservancy, its representatives and employees the right to take photographs at this volunteer event of me and any minor participants for which I am the parent or guardian. I authorize Vermont River Conservancy, its assigns and transferees to use such photographs, with or without names, for any lawful purpose, including for example such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising and web content and to copyright, use and publish the same in print and/or electronically
  • No: I do not grant Vermont River Conservancy, its representatives and employees the right to take photographs at this volunteer event of me and any minor participants for which I am the parent or guardian.

Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk Agreement

In consideration of being allowed to participate in any way in the program, related events and activities, I, the undersigned, acknowledge and agree that:

  • I am donating my time and services without any compensation and shall at no time be considered an employee or independent contractor of the Vermont River Conservancy for this event. 
  • The risk of injury from the activities involved in this program may be significant, including the potential for permanent paralysis and death. I knowingly and freely assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of the releases or others, and assume full responsibility for my participation.
  • I, for myself and on behalf of my heirs, assigns, personal representatives and next of kin, hereby release indemnify and hold harmless Vermont River Conservancy and its officers, agents and/or employees, other participants, sponsors, advertisers, partners and, if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (RELEASEES) from any and all claims, demands, losses and liability arising out of or related to any injury, disability or death I may suffer, or loss or damage to person or property, whether arising from the negligence of the releases or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by the law.
  • Any dispute between Vermont River Conservancy and I will be governed by the substantive laws of Vermont. Any action or proceeding arising hereunder shall be brought in the courts of the State of Vermont.