Volunteers Invited to Participate in Fall Community Tree Planting

The City of Rochester Parks & Recreation Department and RNeighbors are inviting community members to help plant 100 trees during the fall RNeighborWoods community tree planting event. The event will take place Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Badger Ridge Park, 3016 Monroe Drive NW. 

Volunteers of all ages and experience levels are welcome to participate. The event is an opportunity for residents to help grow Rochester’s urban forest while connecting with neighbors and community partners. 

“This event is really about neighbors working together to make a lasting difference in our community,” said René Halasy, executive director of RNeighbors, Rochester Neighborhood Resource Center. “Each tree planted will provide benefits for decades, and we’re grateful for the volunteers who continue to make this event possible.” 

Trees provide a range of benefits to the community, including improving air quality, managing stormwater, providing shade and cooling, creating wildlife habitat and supporting residents’ physical and mental well-being. Planting a variety of species also helps create a healthier and more resilient urban forest. 

“Every tree we add to Rochester’s urban forest is an investment in our community,” said Alison Litchy, the City’s forestry manager. “These plantings will have a lasting impact, helping create a healthier, more resilient Rochester for years to come.” 

Since 2004, the RNeighborWoods partnership has brought together thousands of volunteers to plant trees throughout Rochester, strengthening neighborhoods and expanding the city’s tree canopy. 

Event Details 

The RNeighborWoods program is a partnership between City of Rochester Parks & Recreation, RNeighbors, Davey Tree & Lawn, Conservation Corps and Sargent’s Gardens, along with community volunteers committed to growing and maintaining Rochester’s urban forest. 

For more information, visit the RNeighbors events webpage.