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Volunteer with Us
Who We Are
Restore Mass Ave (RMA) is a small, volunteer-run nonprofit engaged in restoring the full tree canopy and historic landscape of Embassy Row, the two miles of Massachusetts Avenue NW from Wisconsin Avenue east to Dupont Circle, Washington’s most famous diplomatic street.
We are a network of US and foreign neighbors along the avenue, plus civic-minded people from all over. We run on volunteers who seek to make one of the most important urban thoroughfares in the nation into a model sustainable street.
Over 18 years we’ve arranged planting of hundreds of trees towards our goal of full canopy. Our program aims to sustain mature trees to keep the Grand Avenue’s character and to control stormwater, provide shade and help wildlife. We’ve pushed the city to install green infrastructure. Embassies that protect and care for trees and greenspace have been recognized for their participation.
By joining RMA events, you’ll meet like-minded people helping to “green” our city.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have volunteer opportunities to fit your time and interests — from low-commitment, one-time events to regular roles where you use your skills (horticulture, photography, writing, community-building) to green the avenue.
Note: Our projects are right along the avenue; most volunteers live or work nearby.
Treekeeping
On this busy street trees grow well due to hyperlocal care. RMA “treekeepers” get down and dirty. They pull plants that choke the tree base. They decompact and enrich the soil, cover it with a little mulch and water generously. Treekeepers focus on trees at risk. But when possible they show owners on the avenue how to care for trees themselves. (Local owners are usually delighted to learn!) This work provides practical knowledge they and you can take anywhere.
Join one of our Treekeeping workshops. No experience is required, Individuals, families, and small groups are welcome. We provide tools and guidance. Use the form below to show your interest and be added to our notice list.
Photography
Help us tell the story of the avenue’s revival in pictures! We need photography of trees, streetscapes, seasonal changes, people and events. Your Photoshop skills could open RMA’s library of early photos to show the transformation of the street in recent years. RMA publishes and distributes just a few and credits the photographer as requested. (Photos on this site are by RMA unless otherwise noted.) Use the form below to indicate your interest. You may include a few links to your work in the comment pane.
Social Media
Help us tell our story widely with social media. A skilled volunteer or team can plan posts, captions, and update our Instagram, Facebook, and X accounts. We have built our brand helped by some of the best in the business. We could do more with one or a series of agreed posts. Interested? Use the form below to tell us!
Neighbor Ambassador
About one-third of the historic mansions on Embassy Row are embassies or ambassadorial residences. Restore Mass Ave is honored to have good relations with many diplomats here from ambassadors to gardeners. (Sometimes the ambassador is a gardener!) If you have an international background or interest, maybe you can be RMA’s friendly rep who helps an embassy with ‘green’ issues.
Yes, I’m interested in helping RMA!
Please complete the form below. * are required fields. Please indicate if you have a specific interest for helping RMA.
Did you know your employer may match your volunteer hours with a donation to RMA?
Ask your company’s HR department if it offers volunteer time-matching. It’s an easy way to make your volunteer work with RMA go farther. RMA relies on private donations for its program.
Finally, consider donating to RMA!