We’ve had volunteers helping us since we were at Estate Southgate Farm in the late 1990s, all the way up until now. People who help us out often feel like they are getting more than they give, and that feels mutual to our family too. Read here to learn more about becoming a farm volunteer with us. Here are some reflections on their experiences from some of our awesome allies.

connect more deeply

My best workouts and best meditations have happened at the ARTfarm. Getting to enjoy the quiet peace of a cool breeze on a “winter” morning… the gentle call of the ocean while my hands are in the dirt… the green rolling hills and the blue skies and the clouds… the fresh air. Moments of peace… moments to myself.

I have been volunteering at ARTFarm for about 10 years – (and training the staff!) and I am truly grateful for such a rich learning experience and opportunity to connect more deeply to the food that I get to eat. I love the feeling of being connected to the earth that grows my food. It’s rewarding work on so many levels! 

Luca is amazing at finding tasks that suit you. Maybe you don’t desire a “farm workout…” Maybe you’re more into meditative weeding? There is a task for you! Help is always appreciated. So if you’re able to pull an hour or three out of your week for some volunteering, it’s a beautiful way to connect more deeply to your food and your island 🙂

Stacey Stone, Movement Specialist
ELDOA Practitioner
CHEK Level 1 Practitioner
CHEK Holistic Lifestyle Coach

refuge and respite

The weight of the world can feel heavy at times. Job stress, school deadlines, relationship worries, and family pressures blend into a constant hum of anxiety and tension. Add to this the constant texts, emails, videos, and news coming from our devices, and it becomes overwhelming at times.

When I volunteered at ARTfarm, I didn’t expect that a simple act of planting vegetables would be anything more than just that. But there’s an oddly meditative benefit to volunteering at the farm that allows you to reconnect yourself with the natural world. It’s surprising what working the earth in your hands will do. The feel of the cool dirt, the smell of fresh earth, the sun on your skin – it’s an experience that washes away the noise and clutter of everyday life.

I went to ARTfarm thinking I was doing them a favor. But the truth is, the farm has helped me more than I could have imagined. It’s a refuge from the stresses of the world, a place to find peace and quiet, and a reminder that the simplest things can be the most rewarding.

David Suh 

learning skills

Jen came to work with us and then spent some time running her own family farm (with a restaurant!) in Indiana before returning to STX. She still helps us with deliveries to the west end from time to time!

Jen V
biologist, farmer, non-profit ED, environmental activist and farmdog whisperer

collaboration

Farmer Shirley is the longest-running volunteer we’ve had. 2023 is her 15th year with us, including time at our previous farm, Estate Southgate Farms! Shirley arrived from West Virginia already an experienced farmer, expert herbalist and a pro at canning tomatoes. For many years she has helped us put up our excess tomatoes with her extensive homesteading skills. But you don’t have to be an expert in anything to help us out.

making farm improvements

The WCK Project brain and brawn team. In addition to contractors, we’ve had great help from friends of the farm on our latest container conversion project. Ian, Chris, Cliff and John among others have all been essential in thinking through solutions and pushing this complicated job forward.

If you’ve been a volunteer at ARTfarm or Estate Southgate Farms and would like to share your experience, get in touch via our contact form!