Volunteer
Please read through all of these FAQs before filling out the application form at the bottom of this page.
When can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers Monday through Friday, February-November. Volunteer group events are possible during winter months, but have to be coordinated with SOF Staff.
Volunteer shifts run Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00 am or 1:00-5:00 pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm (Saturday volunteer hours are open after Spring Break Only). Volunteers are required to arrive at the beginning of the shift and encouraged to work the entire shift.
Where are you located?
The Student Organic Farm is located on 15 acres at the western edge of the MSU Horticulture Teaching and Research Center (HTRC). Our address is 3291 College Rd. Holt, MI 48842. Please park in the main HTRC parking lot, just inside the main gate when you drive in.
Can I get a ride out to the farm?
We recognize the difficulty of our location for students without cars or bicycles and want everyone interested in volunteering to have the opportunity. However, while the SOF cannot offer rides to and from the farm, occasionally student crew members with vehicles are willing to pick up and drop off regular volunteers in convenience with their work schedules. Please indicate any special transportation needs in the form below.
What should I wear when I volunteer?
Dress according to how you will feel most comfortable in whatever weather is predicted for your volunteer shift, keeping in mind that you may be moving between greenhouses where it is dry and warm to outdoor rain or snow. Closed toed shoes are required. Depending on the weather, we recommend layers, sunscreen, a hat, and water.
What can I expect to do while I’m at the farm?
Farm work is seasonal. Because we grow in passive solar greenhouses harvest happens here year round. In the spring, we are busy prepping beds and planting outside. In the summer, we weed, water, plant, and harvesting. In the fall we roll up drip tape, put beds to sleep for the winter, and harvest root crops for storage. In the winter, we work to maintain our crops in the hoop houses, seeding transplants, and getting ready for the spring.
If you are a volunteer group, please e-mail Sarah at geurkin1@msu.edu with a note specifying the average age and number of people in your group, as well as a few potential dates and times that would be convenient for you all. Accommodating volunteer groups may take up to 2 weeks to schedule and is subject to SOF staff availability. Volunteer groups under 18 years of age will be subject to our regular tour fee.
When can I volunteer?
We welcome volunteers Monday through Friday, February-November. Volunteer group events are possible during winter months, but have to be coordinated with SOF Staff.
Volunteer shifts run Monday-Friday 8:00-12:00 am or 1:00-5:00 pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm (Saturday volunteer hours are open after Spring Break Only). Volunteers are required to arrive at the beginning of the shift and encouraged to work the entire shift.
Where are you located?
The Student Organic Farm is located on 15 acres at the western edge of the MSU Horticulture Teaching and Research Center (HTRC). Our address is 3291 College Rd. Holt, MI 48842. Please park in the main HTRC parking lot, just inside the main gate when you drive in.
Can I get a ride out to the farm?
We recognize the difficulty of our location for students without cars or bicycles and want everyone interested in volunteering to have the opportunity. However, while the SOF cannot offer rides to and from the farm, occasionally student crew members with vehicles are willing to pick up and drop off regular volunteers in convenience with their work schedules. Please indicate any special transportation needs in the form below.
What should I wear when I volunteer?
Dress according to how you will feel most comfortable in whatever weather is predicted for your volunteer shift, keeping in mind that you may be moving between greenhouses where it is dry and warm to outdoor rain or snow. Closed toed shoes are required. Depending on the weather, we recommend layers, sunscreen, a hat, and water.
What can I expect to do while I’m at the farm?
Farm work is seasonal. Because we grow in passive solar greenhouses harvest happens here year round. In the spring, we are busy prepping beds and planting outside. In the summer, we weed, water, plant, and harvesting. In the fall we roll up drip tape, put beds to sleep for the winter, and harvest root crops for storage. In the winter, we work to maintain our crops in the hoop houses, seeding transplants, and getting ready for the spring.
If you are a volunteer group, please e-mail Sarah at geurkin1@msu.edu with a note specifying the average age and number of people in your group, as well as a few potential dates and times that would be convenient for you all. Accommodating volunteer groups may take up to 2 weeks to schedule and is subject to SOF staff availability. Volunteer groups under 18 years of age will be subject to our regular tour fee.
After you have signed up on the form below, please wait until you’ve received a confirmation from an SOF staff member before showing up.
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Saturday Volunteer Hours: CLOSED UNTIL MARCH 16
Open after Spring Break through November 23
10 AM-2 PM Volunteers must RSVP before showing up for Saturday Volunteer Hours. Please dress appropriately to the weather and bring a water bottle/lunch if needed. |