As Krystal Wasson, 21 Acres’ Volunteer Lead, wrote in her newsletter recently:

On behalf of the entire 21 Acres community, we want to extend our greatest thanks to our volunteers for their continued support and enthusiasm throughout the past few months and for many years to come. 21 Acres is a learning center where folks from all walks of life are invited learn and give back to the environment and our local food system. We greatly appreciate you for supporting local food systems by shopping in the Farm Market, sharing 21 Acres place with others, getting your hands dirty, and giving back to the community. You are all a part of the responsible and equitable land stewardship we take on at 21 Acres and we are forever grateful for your continued support. Thank you!

Volunteering at 21 Acres is going to look and feel differently going forward but we hope that you will still enjoy your time on campus while feeling safe and continuing to learn about who we are and why we do what we do. With COVID-19 in mind, we’ve re-imagined the volunteer experience to limit your exposure to other people and increase sanitization of our tools and spaces. That being said, we know most folks come to volunteer at 21 Acres to be a part of something bigger than themselves and socialize with other like-minded people. Considering that we won’t be able to accommodate large groups for a while, we want to continue making our volunteer experience a social one. Going forward, you will now be allowed and encouraged to bring your own friends and family along in groups of up to 5 people. This can include kids of all ages, but groups of youth must have an adult supervisor present. Folks who are at high risk of contracting the coronavirus or have immuno-compromised systems are encouraged to stay home and stay safe.

Before you arrive on campus:

• Orientation and training are now online and it’s easier than ever before! If you are a new volunteer, please start by filling out this Volunteer Application.
• Afterwards, spend the next 10-15 minutes watching these short training videos. Everything you need to know about safety, where to go, and how to identify weeds is right here!
  Volunteer Orientation
  Welcome back from Jess
  Tool Safety
  Removing Thistle
  Removing Bindweed, Himalayan Blackberry and Reed Canary Grass
  Composting Invasive Species
• All volunteers must agree to and sign the Additional Volunteer Waiver of Liability – Volunteering at 21 Acres during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Next, you can schedule yourself to work either independently or in a small group of close friends or family members. During phase 2 of the Washington Safe Start plan, groups are limited to a maximum of 5 people.
• Remember to screen yourself before coming to volunteer on campus. Please take your temperature before leaving your house and ask yourself these self-screening questions before arriving to campus.

Are you ready to join us? Learn how to sign up and what to expect on campus in this volunteering guide: 21 Acres COVID-19 Volunteer Policy_Final_Updated 07.25.20