We hold events at the Sweetwater Community Garden such as garden clean-up events and planting projects. Check the calendar for upcoming events. We can also accommodate teams of volunteers for specific projects. If you are interested in volunteering, please email our Community Garden Coordinator, Daniela Mejia: daniela.mejia@rcdsandiego.org.

Interested in helping pollinators and local food producers?

Click here to sign up to receive emails about upcoming volunteer planting days with the Working Lands for Pollinators program. You will only receive emails regarding upcoming planting events.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How physically demanding is the volunteer work?

Volunteers will follow instructions to help digging holes with shovels, put plants from containers into the ground, water plants, and spread mulch. Volunteers should be able to bend and kneel without difficulty and be able to lift 15 pounds (the weight of a 2-gallon watering can).

How long is each volunteer planting event?

Each planting event lasts about 3 hours and typically starts at around 8am. It's important for us to start as early as possible to avoid putting plants into the ground when it's hot and sunny.

Where do habitat plantings take place?

We partner with farmers across San Diego County, so habitat plantings may be far from where you live. Stay tuned for a planting event that's convenient for you or help spread the word to folks you know in other areas.

Do I need to know about native plants or gardening to volunteer?

No experience is needed! This is a great opportunity for anyone to learn about native plants and pollinator habitat and get hands-on planting experience.

Staff from partner agencies and organizations, like the Resource Conservation District, will be there to help guide you and answer questions.

Can high schoolers earn community service credit by volunteering?

High schoolers can bring community service forms for signature at the end of planting events.