Blue Shield of California Team (from left to right):
Sophia Roth, Eva Roth, Jennifer Murphy, Bill Hill, Marigel Gaspar and Gregg Sueyoshi

On the third Saturday of each month from March through October, volunteers help with the work of creating and maintaining the Grove. Individuals and groups of volunteers participate in gardening activities: clearing weeds and debris, mulching and hauling topsoil, planting new trees and shrubs, and other related activities within the Grove. Most volunteers find Community Volunteer Workdays to be a rewarding experience, even though you may have sore muscles at the end of the day! Many first-time volunteers become on-going participants.

2013 Community Volunteer Workdays

• March 16
• April 20
• May 18
• June 15
• July 20
• August 17
• September 21
• October 19

The hours of Community Volunteer Workdays are from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. It is important to arrive on time, as the Program Manager explains the day’s work plan promptly at 9:00 a.m. Please arrive at 8:30 am for registration. Coffee and bagels are provided first thing in the morning. At noon we stop work and gather for a circle ceremony where announcements are read, the group observes a moment of silence for those we have lost, acknowledges the sponsors of the day, and may plant a memorial tree as a group. The Grove’s generous in-kind donors provide coffee, cold drinks (soda and water), and bagels/pastries at the start of the day. We also provide lunch to all volunteers at 12:30 p.m.

Gloves and tools are provided, although many volunteers bring their own gloves. We suggest that you wear sturdy shoes and bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or cap. No open toe shoes will be permitted. Please wear sturdy clothing (jeans and long-sleeved shirts are suggested) as we have discovered a few areas where poison oak is growing. Please advise your group of this fact; additionally, all volunteers are briefed on how to avoid coming into contact with the plant. All participants under the age of 18 must have a consent form signed by a parent/guardian prior to working at the Grove.  You may download our standard Release Form here to complete and sign ahead of time, or they will be available on-site on the morning of the Community Volunteer Workday.

Please refer to our general brochure or the “Getting to The Grove” link on the home page of our website for written directions to the Grove, and public transportation information (you may want to make copies for your group to distribute prior to the Community Volunteer Workday).

Workday Sponsors

Workday sponsors provide an important source of revenue necessary to sustain the Community Volunteer Workday program. Community Volunteer Workday sponsorships, which help to offset associated costs, range from $100 to $1,000. Honor a loved one, or have your company/group name presented at “Circle Time.” Call the office for details at (415)765-0497. Any groups of 3 or larger must contact the Grove at least three weeks in advance of a scheduled Community Volunteer Workday in order to confirm available space. You may send an email in the form below, or call our offices at (415)765-0497.

If there are questionable weather conditions, call the NAMG office at by 7:30 a.m. on your scheduled Community Volunteer Workday for an official update based on current weather conditions. We look forward to a very productive and inspiring day.

Contact The Grove: