In addition to its planting programs, Growing Friends educates the public and decision makers, and encourages and assists local government.

These activities have included:

• Memorial Tree Program
• Annually placing a “tree care” insert in the City’s water bill mailing.
• Sponsoring Arbor Day plantings
• Assisting local government – in the development of ordinances and tree-funding mechanisms.
• Publishing “Putting Down Roots” – a 64-page tree selection and care handbook for the Helena.
• Co-sponsoring Trash For Trees – a semi-annual recycling event (1990-2011) which Growing Friends organized for 20 years.