Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Massaro Community Farm. Below is a list of opportunities for getting involved at the farm. There are so many ways to become involved in conserving this historic farm. We look forward to finding the perfect opportunity for you to join in!
Development and fundraising – One of the most active groups of farm volunteers is our development team, which plans, oversees and executes events and opportunities that help raise funds for the farm. These folks cultivate business relationships, brainstorm on events/tools that will support our food donations, and support our outreach, often posting flyers or tabling at events in the community. Development team meets bi-monthly, or you can just help us work on a single event. Work can be done independently and ranges 2-4 hours/month.
Marketing/graphic design – If you possess an artistic mind and have familiarity with programs like InDesign, Photoshop, video editing or others, the farm would greatly appreciate your assistance in creating flyers and promotional materials for our events and activities. Farm photos can be supplied, or you can take your own! We need 1-2 flyers/month (February – November) and work can be done on your own.
Farm tour leader/host – Are you a people person? Bring your outgoing personality to the surrounding community by showing folks around the farm, helping to promote sustainability, education and events of Massaro Community Farm. It's really helpful if you can greet visitors on days of beekeeping workshops (6x/year). You can help document our events by taking photos or videos, or add your creative touch to promotional materials and flyers and help build awareness about the importance of local farms and their impact in our towns and schools. Usually requires 1-2 hours at a time, often on weekends or evenings. All materials provided. Reliable transportation required.
Garden hands – if you love to play in the dirt, this is the activity for you! The farm maintains a Learning Garden that is the centerpiece of its many educational activities. Assist in planning, planting, weeding, watering & harvesting this space during three seasons at the farm to ensure ongoing production. Beginners and experienced gardeners welcome. All tools provided. Work can be done on your own time schedule, several hours/month.
Environmental education & recreation – If you prefer spending your time outdoors and engaging with students of all ages, we’d love to have your help at one of our many educational activities. These include hosting student field trips, adult workshops, trail walks, and garden activities. Educational background helpful but not necessary. Materials developed and supplied by our program coordinator and outside experts. Regular participation with youth requires background check. Educational events can be during the week or on weekends, and generally run 1 1/2 – 2 hours in length (generally March-October).
Facilities maintenance/support: - As a center of activity for everything from our farm operation to education, our farm grounds and buildings require occasional care and oversight. Skills needed include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, parking lot upkeep, or sometimes just elbow grease for event setup/breakdown. If you are particularly handy or a licensed contractor, architect or designer, we would greatly appreciate the donation of your time and skills intermittently to maintain our farmhouse, barns and other infrastructure.
Trail maintenance – If you are a naturalist or a birder you will love helping maintain our ~2 miles of nature trails that wind through the 40 or so acres of woods on the farm. Some knowledge of native vs. invasive flora is helpful. Involves walking the trail, raking, weed whacking and occasional rock and branch removal. This activity is only required a few times each season, primarily prior to farm events and summer camp. Can be done on your own time after orientation.
Produce distribution assistants – be present on weekly CSA (our subscription based vegetable production) distributions days – Tuesday and Friday afternoons (June thru October) between 2:30-6:30 – to keep vegetables stocked for customers. Also bag some produce for delivery to New Haven drop-off location and separate produce that will go to our hunger relief partner agencies. This is on-farm responsibility that volunteers are asked to give 2 hours at a time; not required to work both days. Should be comfortable lifting vegetable crates of ~ 20-25lbs. Friendly disposition to greet our produce customers appreciated!
Have an idea of what you want to do but don't see it here? These are just some examples of the work volunteers do on behalf of MCF. There are countless ways to get involved. We would love to hear your great idea!