Get Involved and Grow with Us!
Volunteering at the Farm
Volunteering at the SOU Farm is a great way to immerse yourself in the community and deepen your understanding of sustainable agriculture.
Join us any Friday from 9 am. – 12 pm. for hands-on experiences that connect you to the earth, your food system, and your community.
These volunteer days are essential to the success of the Farm. Your support is crucial to helping the Farm thrive. Volunteer programming is a vital component of our educational and research initiatives, contributing to the Farm’s greater mission. Not only will you be helping with tasks on the farm, your efforts will ripple out into the community making a positive impact.
Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone!
We welcome students, staff, faculty, families, and community members.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newcomer, there are opportunities for you!
Volunteer Activities:
From planting and harvesting, to composting and weeding, there is always something exciting happening on the farm. No two Fridays are the same: as the seasons change so does our production and our themes.
Please remember to register for each day you plan to volunteer so we know you’re coming!
If you are a part of a group, please submit a group visit request via the Group Request Form.
First Fridays:
Family Fun Day
Bring your family and enjoy a morning of farming fun and educational activities like storytelling. This is a perfect opportunity for community members of all ages to learn and grow together.
Second Fridays:
Herbs and Flowers
Dive into the world of herbs and flowers. Learn about their uses, benefits, and how to care for them while enhancing the farm’s beauty.
Third Fridays:
Philosophical Farm Friday
Connect with the earth and get your hands dirty while engaging in deep conversations about topics weighing heavy on your heart, mind, or spirit. Bring your own topic or join a discussion led by Farm Manager, Stephanie. It’s a day to nourish both your mind and the soil!
Fourth Fridays:
Focused Groups
Gather your friends, classmates, sports team, or colleagues for a morning of teamwork on the farm. Group volunteering is a fantastic way to bond, learn new skills, and make a tangible impact. If you’re looking for another time to bring a group to the Farm, you can schedule a tailored experience with Farm Manager, Stephanie.
Ready to Volunteer?
Here’s all you need to know:
-All volunteers must register in advance to ensure we have enough space and resources for everyone. It is important that we know how many people will be attending volunteer days so that we can plan activities to fit the size of the group.
-If you need to cancel or adjust your RSVP, please email us at thefarm@sou.edu.
-Don’t forget to dress for farming– expect to get dirty! Close toed shoes required, long pants recommended.
-Bring a water bottle and snacks!
-We will take photos during volunteer days, please fill out our Photo Release Form, or let us know that you do not want your photo taken.
-As parking is limited on site, we encourage you to practice sustainable transportation by walking or biking. Bike racks are located in front of the farm house. If you need to park your vehicle, please do so in the Science Works parking lot, or across Walker at Ashland Middle School or Trails. If you require special accommodations for accessibility, please let us know in your registration form.
Sign Up Today!
Ready to get involved? Sign up now to be part of a vibrant community dedicated to sustainable farming and food education. Whether you join us every week, or just once in a while, your efforts make a difference.
Let’s cultivate change together!
See you on the farm!
