Volunteering in Salem parks is a wonderful way to enjoy nature, meet new people, and make a positive difference in your community. Whether you are passionate about gardening, preserving history, or improving trails, there are opportunities for everyone.

Volunteering not only helps maintain the beauty and functionality of Salem’s parks but also fosters a sense of pride and connection among community members. These activities are designed to be accessible to individuals, families, and groups, making it easy for anyone to get involved. By volunteering, you contribute to creating a welcoming and well-maintained environment for all park visitors. Below are the various ways you can participate.

Rosarians

Location: Bush’s Pasture Park, Rose Bed Collection (Monday mornings)

What We Do:
The Rosarians assist the Salem Parks and Recreation Division in caring for Miss Sally’s Rose Collection, climbing roses, and other rose beds that are not currently adopted. 

Seasonal Activities and Training Opportunities:

  • Late Winter (Mid-February): Pruning workshops hosted by the city.
  • Spring: Pruning and deadheading with training provided.
  • Late Fall: Pruning with training opportunities available.

This group is active year-round, depending on the weather. Volunteers should be able to commit 1–2 hours per week. 

Adopt A Rose Bed

Location: Bush’s Pasture Park (Flexible schedule, ideal for individuals, families, or friends)

What We Do:
Volunteers adopt a specific rose bed and spend 1–2 hours per week caring for it. Tasks include pruning, deadheading, and weeding. Hands-on training is provided to ensure volunteers are comfortable with the work.

Tools Needed:
  • Hand pruners
  • Small hand saw
  • Gloves
  • Bucket for clippings

Seasonal Activities and Training Opportunities:

  • Late winter (mid-February): Pruning workshops hosted by the city.
  • Spring: Pruning and deadheading with training provided.
  • Late Fall: Pruning with training opportunities available.

No-Ivy League

Location: Minto-Brown Island Park (Monthly events)

What We Do:
Volunteers help remove invasive ivy to protect park trees. Training is provided during monthly events, empowering participants to make a lasting impact.

Opportunities:

  • Join group events.
  • Volunteer independently after learning ivy removal methods.
  • Host an ivy removal event in your neighborhood park.

Friends of Pioneer Cemetery

Location: Pioneer Cemetery (Monthly events, see schedule)

What We Do:
Volunteers assist with maintaining the cemetery’s historical beauty. Activities include:

  • Grooming plots.
  • Removing moss, weeds, and invasive ivy.
  • Caring for heritage roses and ornamental shrubs. 

Event schedules vary throughout the year. Visit the schedule for detailed information, or sign up for Saturday events to learn more.

Gardeners

Locations: Multiple parks (Group or independent opportunities)

Tuesday Gardeners

Location: Bush’s Pasture Park (Tuesday mornings)

What We Do:
Volunteers help maintain landscape beds and historical gardens. Tasks include:

  • Weeding
  • Edging
  • Planting
  • Spreading wood chips
  • Watering

Lord & Schryver

Location: Deepwood Museum and Gardens (Thursday mornings)

What We Do:
Volunteers preserve the historical gardens of Deepwood. Seasonal tasks include:

  • Weeding 
  • Edging
  • Planting
  • Spreading mulch
  • Watering
Tools are provided on-site, but volunteers may bring their own. Activities are weather-dependent and not year-round. 


Friends of Deepwood

Location: Deepwood Museum and Gardens (Flexible schedule)

What We Do:

Volunteers work in historical garden beds, learning about the estate’s history while adding their personal touch to adopted sections. Schedule a site visit to explore available opportunities. 

Park Partner

Location: All parks (Flexible schedule)

What We Do:
Park Partners help with various tasks to keep parks clean and safe. Activities include:

  • Picking up litter
  • Cleaning picnic tables
  • Checking playgrounds
  • Sweeping hard surfaces
  • Clearing tree circles
  • Raking leaves
  • Weeding
  • Removing graffiti 
  • Maintaining trails
  • Filling mutt mitt dispensers
  • Reporting issues to park staff
  • Assist the Clean Team

No special skills are required—just a love for parks!

Trail Builders

Location: Multiple parks (Group or independent opportunities)

What We Do:
Trail Builders assist with maintaining and improving park trails. Tasks include:

  • Clearing minor obstructions like plant matter or small branches.
  • Spreading wood chips (provided by the city) to create smooth walking paths. Unless specified, existing trails will remain the current width and wood chips are spread at a depth of 6-8 inches.
  • Reporting trail issues to park staff.

Opportunities:

  • Participate as a group for team-building activities.
  • Volunteer independently.
  • Training is provided, and tools are available depending on group size.

Volunteering in Salem parks is a meaningful way to give back to your community while enjoying the outdoors. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please contact Amanda Sitter, Volunteer Program Manager, at asitter@cityofsalem.net.