Volunteer at the Farm

2017 CSA Volunteer Opportunities

The volunteer schedule for the CSA, Market Garden and Farm Stands starts in May 2017. No prior experience required, just a passion for gardening, agriculture, local food or simply being outside in nature with your hands in the dirt! If you are interested in this uniquely satisfying volunteer opportunity, fill out the Chatfield Volunteer Application. Contact our Volunteer Services Department at [email protected] with any questions.

We are also searching for Volunteer Shareholders who would like to take their commitment to a higher level with the CSA. Volunteer Shareholders work three hours a week with us (a total of 60 hours) in exchange for a $200 discount on their vegetable share purchase. These positions are very important to the CSA and weekly attendance is mandatory (we realize people go on vacation and we can be flexible).

Please note that in order to receive your volunteer discount, you will need to sign up for a CSA position (not Market Garden, Cutting Garden or Farm Stands) .


CSA:
Volunteers will help harvest, weed and work in our five-acre CSA fields.
Tuesdays: 7-10 a.m.
Thursdays: 7-10 a.m.
Sundays: 7-10 a.m.
Mid-May until mid-October.

Market Garden:
Volunteers will help harvest, weed and work in our one-acre Market Garden.
Thursdays: 7-10 a.m.
Fridays: 7-10 a.m.
Sundays: 7-10 a.m.
Mid-May until mid-October.

Cut Flower Garden/Bouquet Production:
Tuesdays: 8-11 a.m.
Thursdays: 8-11 a.m.
Mid-June until Mid-October.
Volunteers will help with general weeding and flower harvest in the Cutting Garden. After cutting the flowers in the field, volunteers will head to the washstand (indoors) to assemble mixed bouquets for sale later that day or at our markets.

CSA Distributions:
Tuesdays: York St. 3-7 p.m.
Thursdays: Chatfield Farms 3-7 p.m.
These volunteers will help with the set up for distribution by assembling tables with produce and signs. The volunteers will help keep produce stocked throughout the distribution, greet members and assist them with collecting their weekly share. At the end of the distribution, the volunteers will assist with cleaning up and breaking down the distribution. This position works directly with our shareholders and a friendly, outgoing personality is a must. Knowledge of cooking locally is also a great benefit.

Farm Stand Support:
Help unload our veggie truck and sell reduced-price produce to customers. Engage with new people and discuss gardening, nutrition and food access.
Mondays: 9:30- Noon
Wednesdays: 9:30 - Noon
Fridays: 9:30 - Noon
Being comfortable in urban environments a must, as well as communicating with folks who do not speak English.


All new volunteers (non-shareholders) will need to attend a volunteer orientation with Volunteer Services. We also will have a farm volunteer training day April 22 at 10 a.m. Meet at the visitor center. For all working and non-working field volunteers we will begin regular shifts mid-May, and distribution volunteers start with our first CSA distribution on Tuesday, May 23 or Thursday, May 25.

Each season we (as staff and volunteers) become part of a farming family. You will be invited to join us for a few potlucks/appreciation parties throughout the season.

 

Field volunteers and staff in the Herb Garden on harvest day.