Volunteering FAQ

Volunteering is a chance to learn while getting involved all across the farm, to pitch in with the daily activities and help meet the various goals day to day. The activities change week to week and season to season to reflect where help is needed most. During the growing season, volunteer tasks focus on the fields and outdoor spaces, while winter hosts more indoor tasks.

All tools and materials for an activity will be provided (gloves, shovels, pruners), though feel free to bring your gear from home.
-Bring a refillable water bottle
-Wear sunscreen &/or a hat, even on cloudy days
-Use bug spray or wear protective clothing, including rain gear or a change of clothes
-Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, and comfortable clothes you don't mind getting dirty

Yes: before you lift a finger to volunteer, you must complete the two-page waiver form every calendar year (ie, even if you submitted them in December, a new set will be required as of January). You will receive these forms via email after you submit a new volunteer application. There are also hard copies of these forms available in the Volunteer Office.

In general, we welcome volunteers aged 13 and up. Ages 13-15 need to be accompanied by an adult until we get to know each other. Younger volunteers will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. However, our Community Work Days have no age limit.

One Saturday a month, we welcome the community to participate in a bigger farm task that goes quickly with many helping hands. All ages and abilities are welcome, and it's a great group activity for a family, scout troop, or friends.

Be prepared to get involved all across the farm!
Each activity will begin by meeting at the Volunteer Office, where you must Sign In and Out for each visit. Spare + clean reusable water bottles, sunscreen, bug spray, and other tools will be available here. Your belongings can be left here as well. We will go over the activity we're doing and why, and how it is benefitting the farm, and are happy to answer any questions the best we can as we work. When our time is up, we will make our way back to the Volunteer Office and you will be able to wash up if needed.

We are best prepared to have you involved when we have a sense how many volunteers are joining an activity. Some activities also have a limit, so signing up ensures your spot! Also, when you sign up you will automatically receive a reminder email with details on how to be prepared for the day, and any last minute changes.

If you are looking to be involved on a different day or time, there is some flexibility: volunteer visits are possible if you have already volunteered several times with us, and can take place most weekdays during the farm's open hours, 9am-4pm. All cases must be approved in advance by the Volunteer Coordinator. At the moment, we are unable to accommodate volunteer visits on the weekend or evenings outside of the listed volunteer shifts.

If we know to expect latecomers, directions for where to meet to join the activity will be written on the whiteboard in the volunteer office. Just don't forget to Sign In when you do arrive!

No problem! Please let us know in advance if you need to leave the activity early or will be joining late, so that we can prepare accordingly.

Outdoor volunteer tasks take place rain or shine all year long, so come prepared and dress accordingly! The only time activities will be cancelled are due to severe and unsafe weather conditions, or severe cold temperatures. We encourage you to wear layers: even on a cold day tasks in the High Tunnel structure can feel very warm, and even on a warm day the area's wind may cause a chill while in the fields.

A volunteer's safety is our #1 priority. During the warmer months, volunteer activities tend to start earlier in the day in order to beat the midday heat, especially for harvest activities which require cooler conditions to properly harvest vegetables. Some late evening hours may be offered on occasion as well. Keep in mind that the growing fields have no shade, so please come prepared with sunscreen and water bottles, wear hats and light clothing (natural materials keep you cooler). Breaks are encouraged to refill your water, reapply sunscreen, and take some time in the shade.

Yes! Corporate group visits have a more robust experience on the farm, and offer the chance for workers to bond outside the office while promoting corporate citizenship. First, check out the Corporate Volunteer page to learn about the different tiers and experiences offered. Then, send an email to volunteers@hilltophanoverfarm.org with your group's details and dates you'd prefer.

Fill out the Volunteer Application and check "Yes" as a group representative. Be sure to include any details about your areas of interest and dates you'd prefer.

Subscribe to our Volunteer Update emails: weekly emails will focus on the upcoming week's volunteer activities, and the monthly Volunteer Newsletter recaps all the great work volunteers accomplished.

It is directly across from the Farm Stand, next to the southern silo in the dairy barn building. Look for the double sliding doors!