What We Do / Reforesting WNC / TreeKeepers

Become a TreeKeeper

Become a tree guardian for Asheville! Whether you’re helping at tree distributions, getting your hands dirty at planting sites, or teaching neighbors about tree care, there’s a place for you here. No expert experience is required—just a passion for trees and a desire to grow our canopy together.


Plant 50,000 trees by 2040

Green target with an arrow hitting the center.

Paul Weathers

“As a landscape architect I have always cared about the natural environment. Now that I am retired I wanted to volunteer to support a cause that was in sync with my concerns. I support GreenWorks’ goals of improving the environment of our community.

I took part in the latest TreeKeeper training sessions and was invited afterwards to volunteer at the tree nursery. It was important for me to be directly involved in an activity that is making a positive difference in our community.”

Paul Weathers portrait

Become a TreeKeeper

Our dedicated TreeKeeper team inspires us with their dynamic work to protect the neighborhood trees that protect us — and planting new ones to restore the tree canopy.

Our TreeKeepers share their passion by participating in activities that protect and preserve our tree canopy:

  • Support High-Impact Distributions: Help us get trees into the hands of neighbors at our monthly distributions (we’re now giving away nearly 8,000 trees a year!).

  • Get Hands-On at Plantings: Participate in public tree plantings to help restore Asheville’s urban canopy.

  • Provide Vital Maintenance: Care for young trees at our nurseries, community orchards, and public planting sites to ensure they thrive.

  • Educate & Inspire: Answer neighbor questions about tree care and share best practices for maintaining a healthy canopy.

  • Act as a Tree Scout: Serve as the "eyes and ears" for trees in your neighborhood and help identify new sites for public plantings.

  • All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether you’re a pro or just passionate about the environment, we’ll provide the training you need!

Volunteers in tree nursery

We host TreeKeeper training sessions twice per year. Sign up to be notified when the next training is open for registration.

TreeKeeper Interest Form

TreeKeeper Victories

We’re so proud of everything this fantastic group of volunteers has accomplished

  • Black and white illustration of a wagon wheel with a duck, a mop, a soldering iron, and a barbell

    62

    Dedicated Volunteers

  • A black background with a centrally placed white peace symbol.

    4,000+

    Hours Devoted to Restoring our Urban Tree Canopy

  • An abstract black and white icon of a tree with a winding path beside it.

    4,038

    Native Trees Grown and Planted

Spotlight: Oakley Treekeepers

A partnership between Asheville GreenWorks and the Oakley Neighborhood Association, the Oakley TreeKeepers are working to preserve and protect their tree canopy and honor the Treasured Trees in their neighborhood.

“We just love our trees. We want to preserve the trees we can,
and replace the ones we can’t.”

-Jane Laping, Oakley TreeKeeper

Learn More
Learn More