By volunteering at UpstreamPgh, you’re playing a role in solving some of our region’s toughest environmental challenges: flooding, habitat loss, polluted waterways, and responding to the climate crisis. Through natural solutions like rain gardens and native plant restoration, as well as community engagement, we’re working towards climate justice for all — and we need your help!
Ways to Get Involved
Fill out the interest form below to get involved today
Community Volunteer Workdays
From April to October UpstreamPgh staff hold weekly community volunteer workdays. These workdays are open to the public and welcome everyone, regardless of prior knowledge or skill. Responsibilities include removing invasive plants, planting native species, picking up trash, and conducting other gardening tasks to help restore native habitat and manage rainwater.
Stream Sweeps
Every time it rains, trash flows into Nine Mile Run through storm drains. Trash also blows into the park from interstate highway 376. Every year, UpstreamPgh hosts Stream Sweeps in Spring, Summer, and Fall to remove hundreds of pounds of trash, making the stream a healthier habitat for local wildlife. Learn more
Urban EcoStewards
Urban EcoStewards work independently, without UpstreamPgh staff, stewarding land in Frick Park or at our Green Stormwater Infrastructure sites. Responsibilities include removing invasive plants, planting native species, picking up trash, and conducting other gardening tasks to help restore native habitat and manage rainwater. Learn more
Group Workdays
UpstreamPgh offers private workdays for organizations, school groups, church groups, etc. These workdays can be curated to the groups liking but include similar tasks to community workdays.
Engage and Advocate Volunteer
Help out with our Engage and Advocacy Programs by assisting with events, community organizing, youth environmental education programs, and other outreach activities. View our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about this type of volunteering.
Corporate Events
Our corporate volunteer events are a great way to engage your employees in team building activities while making a difference in the communities we serve! We offer multiple, flexible options for engagement, including lunch and learns, garden maintenance, trash pickups, invasive species management, native plantings, and more! Visit our Corporate Events page to learn more!
Volunteer Resources
City of Pittsburgh Safety Guidelines & Hold Harmless and Release of Liability
