This weekend marks the start of Richmond Tree Week, which runs Saturday, Nov. 1 through Saturday, Nov. 8. Entering its sixth official year, this annual event series celebrates the leafy canopies that keep our community shaded in the summer and beautiful year-round.

The week branches out with 30+ free events, including volunteer days, walking tours, bike rides, giveaways, and — what would Tree Week be without this mention? — a tree-hugging contest.

Richmond Tree Week will host a variety of volunteer events, giveaways, and community gatherings. | Photo by Max Posner (Richmond Tree Week 2023)

You can dig through the full lineup of events, but we narrowed down a few spotlights to help prep the soil:

Bryan Park Trees and Birds Walking Tour | Sunday, Nov. 2 | 7:30-9:30 a.m. | Bryan Park, Shelter One | The Richmond Audubon Society will guide an observant group through the park while sharing expert commentary on passing trees and wildlife.
Mini-Forest Planting | Monday, Nov. 3 | 3-5:30 p.m. | Blackwell Park | Sign up to help plant 83 tree saplings in a "high-density mini-forest."
“The Lost Trees of Willow Avenue” Author Talk | Tuesday, Nov. 4 | 6-7:30 p.m. | First Baptist Church of Richmond | RSVP to join author Mike Tidwell to chat about his new book, get a copy signed, and view a short film presentation.
Tree Hugging Contest | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Pine Camp Arts and Community Center | There will be three individual tree-hugging contests: freestyle (most creative), speed hugging (most trees hugged in one minute), and most intentional.
Tree ID Bicycle Ride | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 2-5:30 p.m. | Dogwood Dell Carillon | RSVP for a group ride with Truetimber Arborists, and route through some of Richmond's best urban landscapes.

Bonus: The Richmond Public Library will also be hosting tree-themed storytimes throughout the week.