Farm Education Volunteer Training Program Winter-Spring 2025

Opportunity Overview: Are you interested in learning more about Appleton Farms’ organic crop and grassfed beef production, agroecology projects and conservation efforts, and sharing that learning with others on the Trustees’ flagship farm?  If so, this exciting opportunity might be for you!   

Farm Education Volunteers will become trained farm naturalists and ambassadors, and given the knowledge and resources to share what they learn with visiting groups of youth, adults, and the general public. Volunteers will support educational projects and collaborate with other farm departments. Once trained, FEVs will have the opportunity to lead and support education programs, serve as interpreters at farm events, help with education garden & barnyard upkeep, and collect environmental data for community science projects. Volunteers will benefit via training in environmental education pedagogy and methods, our sustainable farming practices, local natural history and ecology, and local history and culture. Volunteers will also enjoy access to the beautiful Appleton Farms, interact with others passionate about farm-based and environmental education, and will have the opportunity to use their training to give back to the community and environment. Via interaction with the public, FEVs will support The Trustees’ mission of protecting and inspiring appreciation for our special places. 
 
This five-month training course, with a cohort of ~10 volunteers, will consist of ~10 sessions total (2 meetings per month, and a mix of classroom and field), scheduled as 2 weekday evening sessions per month. Volunteers will be required to participate in at least 80% of training sessions to complete the program. Once trained, FEVs are asked to commit to at least one year of volunteer service, with ~2 volunteer engagements/~5 hours of volunteering per month. The training course will take place in-person at Appleton Farms in Ipswich. 
 
Participants should embrace this opportunity as a course of study and are encouraged to bring whatever they need to support learning. Suggestions: passion for learning, questions and curiosities about farming and the environment, notebook, writing implements, etc. For field training sessions, more information on what to bring will be provided.  

You can learn more about Appleton Farms Education Programs here: https://thetrustees.org/program/appleton-farms-education-programs/

Please note: Previous outdoor, science, and education experience is not required, and therefore do not let the application questions deter you if you do not have such prior experience. 
 
Reports to: Regional Education Manager 
 
Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following): 

• Communicate effectively with staff and other volunteers 

• Commitment to participation in training sessions 

• Commit to attending 80% of training sessions, and then ~2 volunteer engagements per month for one year after completion of training 

• Sign up for farm education volunteer opportunities (field trips, camp, monitoring, and outdoor recreation programs – hikes, etc.) 

Qualifications: 

• A passion for learning 

• Curiosity about farming and the environment 

• Interest in environmental literacy/environmental education 

• Ability to perform light physical work (lift up to 40 pounds) 

• Comfort/willingness to be outdoors in a variety of weather conditions for 3.5 hours 

• This role requires a CORI/SORI background check 

• Have excellent communication and customer service skills 

• Have reliable transportation to the property 

• Enjoy working with people 

• Ability to walk on a variety of uneven surfaces including grass, trails, stairs, gravel 

Time Commitment: 
10 meetings between January – May 2025, and then commitment of one year/~2 events per month after completion of training. Volunteers will be notified closer to the training dates of the exact dates, times, and suggested supplies to bring. 
 
For more information 
Contact the Volunteer Services Team at volunteer@thetrustees.org 
 
To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/