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Willow Staking Project

Did you know a whole tree could grow from a stick?
Help us plant 6,500 native willows to restore 6 acres of river habitat

Overview

Over the next 2 years, we're planting native willow trees that will stabilize our riverbanks and restore vital habitat. Our two-part plan is:

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  1. A river restoration goal of planting 6,500 willow stakes, over 6 acres in the San Diego River bed.
     

  2. A friendship-building goal of training community volunteers how to do it.

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The more hands, the more willows! Help leave a lasting legacy for the San Diego River and our community.

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How you can help

Individuals, families, school/service groups, and local businesses are all welcome. No experience needed, just hiking shoes, water, and willingness to get a little dirty. We will provide the training and tools. Skilled volunteers are encouraged to help with specialized tasks. 

Team-building Volunteer Days

Bring your crew out for a hands-on day planting trees along the river.

Donate or
Loan Tools

Digging bars, pile drivers, gloves, or any equipment you no longer use.

In-kind Support / Sponsorship

Help us cover costs or provide materials.

Schedule

Begins October 2025 and continues through 2027

Harvesting Willow Materials: Fridays | 8:00 - 11:30 AM

Planting & Digging: Saturdays | 8:00 - 11:30 AM

We are on pause for nesting season. We will be back at it in the fall. 

Next Harvesting / Planting Dates

Fri TBD / Sat TBD

Fri TBD / Sat TBD

Fri TBD / Sat TBD

Fri TBD / Sat TBD

Sign Up for
Willow Staking

  1. Download and sign the General Volunteer Waiver

  2. Complete the form and upload your signed waiver

  3. Click Submit

Come Prepared

  • Meet at the new Field Station:

    • 12108 Industry Rd, Lakeside

  • Orientation starts at 8 AM sharp

  • Where closed-toe shoes - boots preferred

  • Bring a refillable water bottle

  • And your favorite gardening gloves - we have extras

  • All tools and materials provided

Willow Staking Volunteer Sign Up

What would you like to help with?

Have questions or want to offer support? Email our Volunteer Coordinator, Melissa, at Melissa@lakesideriverpark.org

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Progress Tracker

3,475

Willow Stakes planted so far

6500

Willow Stakes Goal

48%

percent complete

Scope

Purpose

This project strengthens the river’s natural systems by reestablishing dense willow habitat that stabilizes soil, provides wildlife shelter, shades the river, and improves overall watershed health.

Objectives

  • Plant 6,500 native willow stakes by 2027
     

  • Engage volunteers in hands-on river restoration
     

  • Provide environmental education and stewardship training
     

  • Offer group and team-building opportunities for service organizations and businesses

Approach

We use a simple, effective restoration method: harvest willow stakes, prepare them, soak them, and plant them into prepared soil. Stakes are cut ½–2 inches thick, 4–5 feet long, soaked for hydration, and planted with two-thirds below ground. River park staff supervise planting and monitor the site until the young trees are established.

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This method is accessible for most volunteers, enjoyable to do, and highly successful for habitat recovery. The planting area is visible from the High Trail, so volunteers can revisit and watch their trees grow.

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Sponsors

This project is done through volunteers like you, and funding support from

The San Diego River Conservancy

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