Information for Farm Volunteers
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the farm at Poughkeepsie Farm Project!
Farm work can be physically and mentally challenging, uncomfortable, and sometimes icky. It can also be exhilarating, beautiful, delicious, and highly rewarding. It has the ability to make us stronger, more resilient, more agile and dexterous, more patient, more observant, and to impart many new skills.
Those who get the most out of an experience at PFP tend to be people who are not easily discouraged, who enjoy challenging themselves, who maintain a positive attitude, and who enjoy getting outside, getting into/using their bodies, and interacting with the natural world and with other people. Smiling and asking questions are both highly encouraged!
Here's what you need to know:
FARM VOLUNTEER HOURS
June through September: Tues, Fri & Sat. 8:00–11:00am
October: Tuesday and Friday 9:30am - 12:30pm, Sat 9:00am –12:00pm
WHAT TO EXPECT
Projects vary by season and are often weather-dependent, but could include hand-weeding, clearing beds, harvesting, or grounds maintenance. Whatever the project may be, the work is often physically strenuous, frequently involving kneeling, bending, squatting and lifting. It happens outside in all weather conditions, hot and cold, dusty and muddy. So come prepared!
WHAT TO WEAR / BRING
Come prepared for all weather conditions, and be prepared to get dirty. Always wear closed-toe shoes (no flip flops or bare feet). If it's cold out, wear more layers than you think you need. If it's wet or has recently rained, wear waterproof shoes and rain gear. If it's hot, wear a hat.
No matter the weather, it's almost always a good idea to bring sunscreen, layers, a water bottle, and a hat with a brim.
(Note: If you haven't yet, please fill out our volunteer form.)
DIRECTIONS
Most farm volunteer days meet at the wash station.
Park at 50-51 Vassar Farm Lane. Standing with the Environmental Cooperative (the "Vassar Barns") behind you, walk in towards the PFP office (the smaller brick building across the parking lot). Walk down the dirt road to your left, towards the greenhouses/high tunnels. The farm fence should be to your right. (If you're on a gravel road with gardens to your left and a sports field to your right, you are on the wrong road.) Keep walking, past the compost piles to your left and the gate to the high tunnels to your right. The wash station is a white tent over a graveled area to the left, across from the high tunnels and stacks of colored bins.