Be a farmer for a day
This article was originally published in June 2002
By Austin Walters, Seattle Tilth
See below:
Schedule for Summer 2002
Would you love to escape the city to bury your hands in the soil? Have you thought about starting a farm, but the idea of making the transition is overwhelming?
Here’s a chance to answer these thoughts as you work alongside local farmers, helping them sow, transplant, weed, harvest, build compost piles, and more. The farmers will also give you a tour of their operation and provide a delicious meal of farm fresh produce. Farmers are delighted to share their knowledge and benefit from work made light by many hands.
Workdays are Saturdays and Sundays, June through October. If the farm is more than 90 minutes from the city, you’re invited to set up camp and spend the night. Children over the age of seven are welcome at most events.
The cost is $5 per participant per farm, which helps cover administrative costs. For most work parties, we’ll meet at the Good Shepherd Center in Seattle at 8:15 a.m., carpool to the farm, and return by 5 or 6 p.m. Come dressed for the weather, bring work gloves, boots, water and snacks. Information and registration forms are available at www.seattletilth.org or by calling 206-633-0451. Register soon, spaces fill rapidly!
Schedule for Summer 2002
*Children welcome with supervising adult.
Sunday June 9
Island Meadow Farm, Vashon Island
Greg Kruse and Julie Thielges are new growers who have taken over a farm that has been in production since the early 1900s. Certified organic eggs, vegetables, raspberries, kiwis and nuts.
Saturday June 22
*Jordan Village Farm, Arlington
Jordan Village is the 300-acre home of the Love/Israel family, an intentional community in its 33rd year. Their exotic salads have been featured in “National Geographic” and they run a stand at the Pike Place Market.
Saturday July 6
*Kirsop Farm, Olympia
Join farmer Genine Bradwin and her family in producing organic vegetables for CSA subscribers and market sales. Help with a number of tasks on this friendly family farm.
Sunday July 14
Persephone Farm, Indianola
Aspiring farmers can learn about starting up a new operation from farmer Rebecca Slattery. Amend beds, sort garlic, spray compost tea, weed and plant. Swim at a nearby beach, complete with espresso stand!
Saturday July 20
*Moonshadow Farm, Duvall
This 20-acre farm is home to 104 farm animals, two bee colonies and lots of wildlife. Harvest, transplant, build compost piles, and do barn chores.
Sunday July 28
*Penn Cove Organics, Oak Harbor
Join farmers Steve and Wendi Hilborn in harvesting organic vegetables and packing CSA boxes. Learn about raising dairy heifers. Bring camping gear and spend the weekend on Whidbey Island.
Saturday August 3
Ocean Sky Farm, Bainbridge Island
Join farmers Art Biggert and Suzy Cook to learn about medicinal herbs and hand-crafted bodycare products. Move a chicken tractor, set down lines for irrigation, plant, weed, and spray compost tea.
Saturday August 10
Ravencroft Farm, Monroe
An educational center with more than 300 species of useful plants. Garble an herb, build a rose arbor, or make a keyhole bed, and enjoy a savory lunch of garden goodies and fresh goat cheese.
Saturday September 21
*Oxbow Farm, Carnation
Oxbow farm is a three-acre certified organic farm growing vegetables and fruits on a nature preserve in the Snoqualmie valley. Workers will help farmers Luke Woodward and Sarah Cassidy plant garlic and sheet mulch. Test the fabulous swimming holes along the Snoqualmie.
Saturday September 28
*Dog Mountain Farm, Carnation
Dog Mountain Farm is in it’s second season of production, providing an opportunity for potential farmers to see a new operation. Help farmers Cindy and David Kerpky build a greenhouse, plant seeds, cultivate and collect eggs.
Saturday October 12
*Coyote Creek Farm, Little Rock
Coyote Creek is a small family farm just south of Olympia for certified organic vegetables and a flock of free-range layer hens. Help farmer Tim Morrissey and family dig potatoes, gather and clean winter squash, harvest and hang onions, and pack up irrigation lines.