Volunteer Opportunities
Here are some of the ways you can volunteer with the PFTP:
If you would like to hear about additional volunteer opportunities as they arise, click here to sign up for our monthly e-Newsletter.
If you have particular skills or services you would like to contribute, please contact Katy to discuss the possibilties: katy [at] portlandfruit.org / 503-284-6106. Thank you!
Become a Tree Scout
Tree scouts work in their own neighborhoods to register productive and underutilized fruit trees! This is a fun opportunity to serve as a vital liaison between PFTP and fruit tree owners in your area. We provide all necessary training and materials.This volunteer position begins in mid June and ends at the end of October of each year.
We've finished receiving applications for 2013 Tree Scout volunteers but you can still come out and join us for our East Portland Tree Scouting Day on Saturday July 27th. Please call 503-284-6106 or send an email to bob[at]portlandfruit.org, if you're interested in attending.
Become a Harvest Leader
Harvest Leaders co-lead harvesting parties along with another volunteer. We provide all of the necessary training, materials, and support. You would be expected to commit to co-lead at least 5 harvesting parties between late July and late November.
We''re now accepting applications for 2013 Harvest Leaders! Click here for the complete position description. Please call 503-284-6106 or send an email to bob[at]portlandfruit.org, with the subject line 'Harvest Leader interest' and we'll get you an application as soon as possible.
Participate in a Harvesting Party
Harvesting parties bring people together to pick fruit that might otherwise go to waste, and make it available to people in need. These events are a fun and easy way to get involved with the PFTP. Our harvest season begins in July and ends in November. Click here for more info about harvesting parties.
Participate in a Community Orchard work-party
Sabin Community Orchard 'Learn and work parties' are the second Sunday of each month, April -November. They are great opportunities to help with orchard projects, and to 'learn by doing'. Project/topics include pruning, planting, low-tech irrigation, pest & disease control, general orchard maintenance, and more. The Sabin Community Orchard is on NE Mason Street, between 18th and 19th Avenues. Please visit our Community Orchards page for more info about the program and volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer as a Fruit Monitor
Fruit Monitor volunteers serve as an important role in the harvest planning process. Fruit Monitors will conduct site visits at registered tree sites to assess the quality, quantity, and ripeness of fruit so that we can determine if and when to schedule a harvesting party.
We're now accepting applications for 2013 Fruit Monitors! Click here for the complete position description. Please call 503-284-6106 or send an email to bob[at]portlandfruit.org, with the subject line 'Fruit Monitor interest' and we'll be sure to get you an application as soon as possible.
Volunteer as a 'PFTP Ambassador'
As a PFTP Ambassador, you will represent the Portland Fruit Tree Project at outreach events. If you enjoy talking with people and want to help promote the work of the Portland Fruit Tree Project, outreach events are a great way to volunteer!
We are now accepting applications for 2013 PFTP Ambassadors! Click here for the position description and how to apply. Please call 503-284-6106 or send an email to outreach[at]portlandfruit.org, with any questions.
Teach a workshop
PFTP workshops are taught by experienced volunteers who want to share their knowledge. Do you have expertise in topics related to fruit tree care or food preservation? Would you like to share your knowledge with the community?
TREE CARE: We are currently seeking workshop instructors for our 2013 Tree Care Workshop series. Topics include: Winter Pruning; Young Fruit Trees: Selection, Planting, & Care; Grafting; Pollinators; Spring Tree Care: Pest & Disease Management/Fruit Thinning; Summer Pruning; and Fall Tree Care: Pest & Disease ID/Assessment. If you are interested in teaching or co-teaching a workshop on one of these topics, we would love to speak with you. Please contact Bob, bob[at]portlandfruit.org / 503-284-6106.
FOOD PRESERVATION: Our 2013 Food Preservation Workshop series is currently being planned!. Possible topics include: Canning, Drying, Cold storage / cellaring, Jams and Jellies, Fruit Leather, Fermentation... If you are interested in teaching a food preservation workshop in 2013, please contact Katy, katy[at]portlandfruit.org / 503-284-6106. Previous teaching experience is a plus.
Join or lead a Tree Care Team
Join PFTP in increasing the health and abundance of urban fruit trees, while developing skills in organic tree care methods! Tree Care Teams are small groups of volunteers that care for fruit trees registered and harvested by PFTP. Each Tree Care Team is lead by one or two ‘Team Leaders’ with experience and skills in organic fruit tree care, who teach and guide the group. Each team is responsible for a cluster of trees in their area, visiting each tree once per season to complete the full spectrum of care throughout the year. Members and Leaders participate in ten 3-hour work-parties over an 11-month period (January-November). Topics/tasks include: Winter Pruning, Spring Pest & Disease Management, Fruit Thinning, Summer Pruning, Fall Clean-Up/Pest & Disease Assessment. Participants receive a certificate of completion.
2013 Tree Care Teams are now full. We'll begin posting for 2014 Tree Care Teams in November 2013 .Please call 503-284-6106 or send an email to bob[at]portlandfruit.org with the subject line ''TCT interest' and we'll be sure to follow up with you once we've posted the position description and application forms.
Internships (click here to be re-directed to the Jobs & Internships page):
Portland Fruit Tree Project hosts three to four interns per season. Internship focus varies depending on time of year, and current needs / activities. PFTP internships are generally unpaid. If you are interested in hearing about future internship opportunities, contact Katy (email katy[at]portlandfruit.org or call 503-284-6106).
For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities, please contact Katy Kolker: 503-284-6106, katy[at]portlandfruit.org