VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are usually in need of extra hands to accomplish everything on our ever-growing project list! We host occasional volunteer work-parties to bust out a big task, followed by food and fun. Follow our Facebook page for updates.
We are also a registered host with WWOOF-USA (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) where interested folks can volunteer on the farm a few hours per day in exchange for educational opportunities and room and board. Check out our listing.
Volunteer Info:
2024 will be a busy year and the project list is long! There are plenty of building projects in need of finishing touches and maintenance throughout the year. In May, we aim to have a small plant sale in and then we will continue to experiment with direct to consumer based sales of our fresh produce this summer. One particular goal this year is to get more creative with food preservation (fermenting, canning and dehydrating). We are looking for 2-4 seasonal volunteers (from April through October), staying anywhere between 2 weeks - 6 months. We also plan to host a volunteer work-party &/or workshop about once a month, always followed by food and fun. Follow our Facebook page for updates.
We are a regenerative farm, guided by permaculture principles and practices and, although no extensive experience is required, any knowledge or background in permaculture, biodynamics, natural building, appropriate technology, etc could be helpful. Volunteers will work primarily alongside Aimee (the farm host) but also alone or with other volunteers at times and should have a positive attitude and be willing to take initiative and also provide your own insight and creativity.
Work in 2024 includes: woodlands management (invasive plant control), soil preparation, plant propagation, orchard care, beekeeping, tree planting, trellising, gardening (planting, weeding, mulching, pest control), harvesting, food preservation, fermentation, CSA share prep, home brewing, cooking, splitting wood, nature trail building, and a whole bunch of building projects (including a shed, tiny cabin, new composting bins, etc). Volunteers should expect to work 5 hours per day but the schedule is flexible most of the time. Aimee (farm host) would be happy to share her yoga practice as well.
Accommodations and Meals: Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own tent and bedding but, if available, may stay in one of the tiny off-grid guest cabins (no indoor plumbing) with access to a simple outdoor kitchen, a composting toilet, shower, and laundry. The pond serves as an excellent swimming hole on hot days and we love a nice campfire at night. Two thirds of our meals are usually prepared together (we will rotate cooking duty depending on number of volunteers) and are typically vegetarian, however, any dietary needs/restrictions can be accommodated.
What to do in your down time?: The surrounding area provides plenty to do. The nearest town, Greenfield (which has a supermarket, hardware store, library, post office, medical center, bar/restaurants, etc), is 5 miles away. Amish farm markets and bakeries are 10-13 miles away. The nearest state park (Paint Creek Lake) is only 2 miles away and there is a wonderful nature preserve (Highlands Nature Sanctuary) within 7 miles. Nearby recreational opportunities include: hiking, mt biking, kayaking, fishing, disc golf, boating, birding, etc.
If you're interested in volunteering, please message us through the WWOOF platform (search for Fruitdale Farm) or email us directly through this website. We look forward to connecting and sharing with the you and hope to forge lasting friendships with our volunteers! Come get your hands dirty and have some fun with us!
