Farmland Stewards

Farm Steward Saturdays: 10 AM to 12:30 PM. Pre-register here. 
 

Work alongside knowledgeable 21 Acres staff on a variety of seasonal restoration and farm projects that build soil health and get the farm in shape for the next growing season. Your help supports local food systems by increasing farm productivity; creating more native habitat for animals, birds, and insects; decreasing storm water runoff; and pulling carbon out of the atmosphere through green plant material. Activities include seeding, transplanting, planting, weeding, mulching, wheelbarrowing, and more!  

No prior farm experience required. All tools provided. 
 

Are you part of a local community group, school, business, or faith group that would like to make an impact together? Check out our TEAMS EXPERIENCE PACKET to learn more about joining us on the farm for an engaging and educational event.

Friends and family 13 years and older are welcome to join! Volunteers ages 13-15 need an adult participant volunteering with them, and anyone under the age of 18 needs a parent/guardian signature. 

Questions? Email volunteer@21acres.org.

Volunteer Beekeepers

Do you love honeybees? Join the 21 Acres Bee Club! All beekeeping positions are currently filled. To join the waitlist, please email volunteer@21acres.org.

Volunteer Beekeepers at the 21 Acres farm help with weekly hive maintenance while learning about the domesticated insect Apis mellifera (honey bee). Volunteers will gain experience working with beehives and maintaining the apiary. You will team up with Apiary Manager Nan Affleck Hardt and other volunteers, providing support so the bees can do their important job on the farm – pollinating and producing honey.

Seasonal activities range from hive inspections, feeding the bees, identifying and treating pests, maintaining structures and equipment, and wax and honey harvesting! 

To get started as a volunteer beekeeper:

• Must be available on Wednesdays between 10 am and 3 pm.
• Beekeeping has a learning curve. We request that volunteers in the apiary commit to volunteering for three consecutive months.
• Beekeeping is physically demanding work and requires heavy lifting. Although we generally work in pairs, a beehive box can weigh between 70-90 lbs and requires a fair amount of strength to lift.
• In addition, for your own health and safety it is better if you do not work in the apiary if you are allergic to bees. Please let us know before you begin volunteering if you have never been stung.

Food Forest Stewards

Are you a passionate gardener, permaculturist, or aspiring green thumb looking to get more involved in your local food system?  

We are seeking volunteers to help us manage our campus food forest. Food forests are a sustainable agriculture practice utilized by Indigenous communities from the Amazon to Canada and beyond, the oldest of which have been dated to over 3,000 years old. These biodiverse ecosystems are made up of layers of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals that work in relationship with each other to provide habitat and food for local pollinators and people. 

Our quarter-acre food forest features plants such as raspberry, blueberry, thimbleberry, pears, peaches, and more. While the food growing here is abundant, so is the to-do list! The 21 Acres Food Forest needs regular maintenance to keep weeds down and improve access to the edible plants within. Regular tasks may include: Weeding, mulching, watering, planting, harvesting, pruning, and other special projects. What’s great about this role is you can eat as you work! 
 

Time commitment: 1-2 hours per week. Day of the week and timing are flexible during our open hours. 

Skills needed: Beginner to expert gardeners are all welcome. No prior farm experience required. All tools provided.  

Interested in this role? Email Hillary at volunteer@21acres.org. 

Volunteers ages 13-15 need an adult participant volunteering with them, and anyone under the age of 18 needs parent/guardian permission.