How to Volunteer to Plant Tree Seedlings at Sequoia National Park

Every year, in early September, The Nature Corps invite youth and scouting groups, and also families and individuals, to participate in a weekend of planting Sequoia seedlings. Once there, volunteers dig a hole to specifications and the seedling is placed delicately in the ground with enriched soil to secure it. Though the procedure may alter somewhat in subsequent years, the objective is still the same, and the people planning the weekend and the volunteers doing the work should be commended for securing a future for these trees.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Work clothes
• Gloves
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Camera

1. Confirm the camping provision. Generally campgrounds in Sequoia National Park are reserved for this event. Since most lodging is in Three Rivers, several miles south, camping nearby for the required early start is recommended.

2. Fly into Los Angeles International Airport. Go east on Century Boulevard to Interstate 405 and travel north toward Sacramento. The 405 becomes Interstate 5 before leaving the city. Continue north over the Grapevine and veer left onto State Highway 99 when the two highways separate. Take Highway 99 to Visalia and follow the directional signs to Sequoia National Park, which is State Highway 180 north.

3. Stop at Three Rivers to stock up on necessary camping supplies. Food is not provided at the planting

4. Enter the Sequoia National Park and continue on toward Lodgepole. Registration generally includes park admission.

5. Drive carefully on the narrow, curvy General’s Highway. There is a substantial elevation gain at this point. Oncoming drivers may be unaware of their speed. Also, wild animals may startle the motorist.

6. Follow the directional signs on the registration information.

7. Prepare to work hard, but note that the location alone makes the effort rewarding.

8. Kindly accept the task given. This is a common effort. The organizers will place each volunteer according to their capability.

9. Stay another day and visit Grant’s Grove and the General Sherman Tree.

Resources

• Nature Corps Website