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COVID-19 and Volunteering at the Green Legacy
As of January 2022, the Green Legacy continues to be closed for volunteering. We will update this page as we learn of opportunities to involve our volunteer community. So please subscribe to this page or check regularly to receive updates.
In the meantime, please email adammcd@wellington.ca if you have any questions or ideas about remotely participating with our programme.
Stay safe and we are looking forward to growing trees with you again one day soon!
When we reopen - volunteering at the Green Legacy looks like this:
Each year over 3,500 people volunteer at the Green Legacy Nursery to help grow trees. No matter what your age or ability you can volunteer for the Green Legacy.
Who Can Volunteer
- You!
- Elementary Schools
- Secondary Schools - students are eligible to receive community service hours or complete their co-op placements
- University students
- International students
- Environmental groups
- Local Corporations
- Private land owners
- Community members - Families, friends, seniors, individuals or groups with disabilities
Become More Involved
To apply to volunteer at the Green Legacy, choose the volunteer job description that suits your desired level of involvement and enter your details and availability in to the appropriate application form. When we receive the completed paper-work we will set up a time for you to come for an orientation to the programme and to volunteer.
Volunteer Job Descriptions
Tree Nursery Volunteer - Requires criminal reference check
Tree Care Volunteer - Requires interest in learning about the propagation and care of trees.
Tree Nursery Youth/Student Volunteer - For those 13-17 years
Seed Collector Volunteer - Please check out Seed Collection Guidelines to see if this position is right for you! Sign up to receive our Seed Collector Newsletter.
Please email Adam McDowell with the opportunity that interests you.
Volunteer Forms
Download the fillable forms here.
Youth Application Form - ages 13-17
Adult Application Form - ages 18+
Be Prepared to Volunteer!
Current Volunteer Activities
Packaging Packaging Packaging! It's Winter - That means we are busy getting our trees ready for Spring distribution in the community. Over the next few months we will moving trees into our underground "cooler" building where it is 2°- 4°C. That's cool enough for trees to remain dormant but warm enough to work with them. We take them out of the styrofoam blocks and wrap them up in into small bundles.
Our workspace becomes a social gathering place! Staff and volunteers bundle up, chit chat, and listen to music while helping to process trees.
| Pushing Trees |
 Trees are seeded into styroblocks and grow there for approximately 1 year. Using a push stick, trees are gently pushed out of the cells they are growing in and placed into a crate temporarily until they are transplanted or packaged for planting in the spring. This is an easy task that can be done by volunteers of any age or ability. |
|
Transplanting |
 Small trees need to be transplanted so they have room to grow. Each year trees are planted in new soil and larger pots. Trees are also moved around the nursery in order to make the best use of available space. Transplanting and moving are great tasks for energetic volunteers. |
| Packaging |
 Before trees are given out to be planted in the community they are packaged. Using a wooden packaging device, 10 trees are wrapped tightly together in plastic wrap. Trees are then moved into an underground cooler building and stored there over the winter. This is one of the more challenging tasks to complete. |
Some of Our Volunteers
How to Prepare for Volunteering at The Green Legacy
The Green Legacy nursery has a variety of environments to work in, including: greenhouses, outdoors, or our underground cooler building. The best way to deal with this is to dress in layers, and according to forecasted weather conditions.
Suggested Items to bring:
- Hat and sunscreen (seasonally)
- Warm gloves, hat, boots (seasonally)
- Work gloves
- Water bottle
- Lunch
Indoor lunch space, a fridge, microwave, and kettle are available for volunteer use. There is also a large covered pavilion and picnic tables on site.
Saturday Volunteer Policy
All individuals or groups wishing to volunteer on a Saturday must pre-register.
- All volunteers must fill out an application form upon arrival
- All volunteers under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian signature on their application form
- Volunteers under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult
Volunteer Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday
9:00am - 3:30pm
Saturdays by request only.
Contact Adam McDowell to make arrangements.
