Volunteer!

 

We LOVE Volunteers!

As a non-profit, educational farm, Sweetwater relies on the help of individual and group volunteers to help us with the day to day operations of our community farm.  Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to learn and gain hands-on organic farming experience.  All are welcome to volunteer, including children under supervision and students fulfilling community service hours.  (Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.)

Volunteers can assist with a variety of farm tasks such as planting, harvesting, and weeding.  (See a typical farm task schedule below.)  There are also site projects for those with carpentry and electrical skills.  Or if you just enjoy cooking, cleaning, photography, painting, sewing, teaching, or any other past time let’s talk about how you can help!

 

Typical Weekly Farm Volunteer Tasks

Monday & Tuesday - (Farm is closed)

Wednesday 8:30-4:00 – Planting & weeding in the fields

*Thursday 8:30-12:30 – Harvesting, washing, and prepping for CSA pick-up

Friday 8:30-4:00 – greenhouse work and planting & weeding in fields

Saturday 8:30-4:00 – Planting & weeding in fields, project day

*Sunday 8:30-12:30 – Harvesting, washing, and prepping for CSA pick-up

 

When can I help?

During our season from November through May, our two major volunteer days are Thursdays and Sundays, 8:30am-12:30pm. Help is needed especially on Sunday mornings to help with our CSA harvest. If you’d like to volunteer on one of these two “harvest” volunteer days, you are welcome to just show up and we’ll put you to work (no need to contact us unless you have a large group).  Just make sure to be here by 8:30 am and wear close-toed shoes and bring plenty of water to drink.

If you’d like to volunteer on Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays things work a little differently.  Our farmers meet in the barn at 8:30 am to discuss the days projects and then split up to one of our three farming locations.  If you join us on these days you will need to be here right at 8:30 am, or you will need to Contact Us in advance to let us know what time we can expect you.  (After 8:30 the farmers will be out in the fields and the farm entrances may be locked.)

You should also Contact Us if you have a large group (more than 3 people), or if you would like to volunteer in a non-farming capacity.

What will I need to bring with me?

All volunteers are required to wear close-toed shoes.  Bring anything you’ll need for working outdoors (hat, gloves, etc.).  Please apply any sunscreen or bug spray before you reach the farm.  Bring PLENTY OF WATER to drink!  You may also bring food to eat at our picnic tables.  We have a kitchen and refrigerator for volunteer and staff use.

Interested in becoming a Harvest Leader?

We also need Harvest Leaders who get trained to help lead the harvest on Sunday mornings. If you can volunteer on Sundays on a regular basis (weekly, monthly or whatever you can do), we can train you on our harvesting techniques, so you can teach other volunteers what to do. If you’re interested, just let us know the next time you come in!

Special Projects

We have specific projects that come up from time to time that require special skills, materials, or extra time from our volunteers.  Sign up for our Volunteer Newsletter to receive updates on volunteer opportunities and special projects.

Don’t have time to Volunteer?

If you are a member and simply don’t have time to volunteer in person, consider donating a gift certificate for the farm or for one of our fundraisers.  We prefer local restaurants, health food stores, office supply, local gift stores and local services.  ($25 minimum please.)

More Info please…

For more information about volunteering on the farm, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.

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