Individual Volunteering at Red Wiggler
Learn more about individual volunteer opportunities at Red Wiggler. From fieldwork to special projects, there is an opportunity for everyone to help support our work.
Who Can Volunteer
We’re looking for field volunteers who can:
- Maintain a positive attitude and get along with others
- Lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
- Bend, stoop, and kneel comfortably
- Follow safety protocols
- Work outdoors in all types of weather (cold, wind, rain, and heat) and around insects
- Follow directions and stay focused (with the help of a job coach or direct support professional if needed)
- Complete tasks with limited supervision
- Walk on slippery, rough, or uneven ground
- Work for up to three hours outdoors, with breaks
We attempt to provide accommodations for people who may not meet all of the above criteria.
Volunteer Roles
In the Field
Volunteer tasks vary depending on the season, but you might find yourself weeding, planting, harvesting, watering, or preparing soil; or washing, packing, sorting, and weighing produce. Each day brings something new, and we’ll give you all the instructions and demonstrations you need to get started. Plus, we always work as a team, so you’ll never be on your own.
Student Service Learning
Montgomery County Public Schools students need 75 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours to graduate in the state of Maryland.
Red Wiggler Care Farm is a Montgomery County Public Schools-approved SSL site. One hour of volunteering is equivalent to one service-learning hour.
Special Skill Projects
Most volunteers work in the fields, but we have a small number of opportunities to help with things like events, administrative work, education programming, CSA pick-up, facility maintenance, and more.
Interested in applying to one of these roles? Email volunteer@redwiggler.org.
Snack Support Volunteer
- Description: Do you love to cook and prepare food to share? We’re looking for volunteers to partner with growers to prepare snacks for the whole team using farm-fresh ingredients(think garlic scape pesto and pickled radishes).
- Commitment: 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, mid-May through October. Help as often as weekly or monthly—we’re flexible!
Sewing Volunteer
- Description: We’re looking for someone who is patient and enjoys sewing to help us repair some of our row covers.
- Commitment: Flexible, independent work (or work with 1:1 support staff).
Woodworking Volunteer
- Description: We’re looking for someone with carpentry/woodworking experience to assist with:
- building a large mouse-proof box to cover summer produce in the barn
- repairing one of our outdoor sinks
- repairing several wooden tables
- constructing large shelving units
- We have some tools but would appreciate a volunteer with tools of their own. We’ll supply lumber and hardware if you tell us what materials would be best. Or we’ll provide a budget, and you can choose your materials and we’ll reimburse you.
How to Sign Up for Volunteering at Red Wiggler
Step one:
Register and join us for a one-hour, in-person orientation event.
Step two:
Complete an adult or youth volunteer application and bring it to orientation.
Step three:
Review our volunteer policies.
Step four:
Complete a federal background check application.
Step five:
Find available volunteer shifts and register. (You must receive explicit approval before registering for a volunteer shift.)
A Typical Day at the Farm
What is a typical day of volunteering at Red Wiggler Care Farm?
- We kick off our volunteer day at 8:45 am. When you arrive, take time to sign in, fill up your water bottle, use the bathroom, make a name tag, and make sure you’re ready for the sun.
- At 9 a.m., gather under the mulberry tree to meet the rest of the crew and go over the day’s tasks, teams, and safety guidelines.
- By 9:10 am, you’ll head to the fields with your small team, which may include Grower staff, other volunteers, interns, and a team leader. Your team leader will guide you through the activity, demonstrating how to complete your job.
- From 9:10 to 10:15 am, you’ll get to work! Depending on the season, you might be harvesting kale or collard greens, preparing beds for planting, or weeding in the pick-your-own beds. The tasks vary with the season, just like the crops we grow.
- At 10:15 am, take a quick break for some water, shade, and maybe a snack.
- From 10:30 am to 12 p.m., you’ll continue working on your project or join a new team for another task. Your shift wraps up right at noon.
- At noon, volunteers are invited to join us for a relaxing outdoor lunch under the oak tree.
- If you stick around for the afternoon shift (1–3 p.m.), you’ll help tackle new tasks, often sorting the morning’s harvest. We finish up by 3 p.m. and say goodbye to Growers and volunteers for the day.
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering
Do I need any experience to volunteer?
Not at all! Whether it’s your first time on a farm or you’re a seasoned gardener, we’re happy to have you. Our team leaders will guide you through what you need to do and make sure you’re comfortable with the tasks. Volunteering at Red Wiggler is all about learning, growing, and working together.
Who can volunteer?
We’re looking for field volunteers who can:
- Maintain a positive attitude and get along with others
- Lift 10 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
- Bend, stoop, and kneel comfortably
- Follow safety protocols
- Work outdoors in all types of weather (cold, wind, rain, and heat) and around insects
- Follow directions and stay focused (with the help of a job coach or direct support professional if needed)
- Complete tasks with limited supervision
- Walk on slippery, rough, or uneven ground
- Work for up to three hours outdoors, with breaks
We attempt to provide accommodations for people who may not meet all of the above criteria. We also offer a limited number of special skill volunteer positions.
Read our volunteer policies document for more information, including how to stay safe on the farm.
When can I volunteer?
Volunteers are generally needed from April through November.
We host volunteers Mondays through Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., and Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m., although the schedule fluctuates a bit each season.
The ideal volunteer can commit to a regular schedule of 20 hours or more throughout the growing season, though those interested in volunteering for less than 20 hours may still apply.
What will I be doing?
Volunteer tasks vary depending on the season, but you might find yourself planting, weeding, harvesting, or preparing beds. Each day brings something new, and we’ll give you all the instructions and demonstrations you need to get started. Plus, we always work as a team, so you’ll never be on your own.
Read our volunteer policies document for more information, including how to stay safe on the farm.
What do I need to bring?
We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, sun protection (like a hat and sunscreen), and a snack if you think you’ll need one. Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes and long, durable pants (these are required)—farm work can be messy, but that’s part of the fun! We’ll provide all the tools, gloves, and safety gear you’ll need. Learn more about what to expect during your visit here.
Can I bring a group to volunteer?
Absolutely! We love hosting volunteer groups from schools, businesses, or community organizations. Groups can range from 5 to 20 people, and we can tailor the tasks based on the size of your group. Please fill out this group visit interest form, and we’ll help organize a meaningful and fun experience for everyone.
Is there an age requirement?
Volunteers of all ages are welcome! For safety reasons, volunteers under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. If you’re bringing a group of youth volunteers, we ask that you provide one adult chaperone for every five children.
Read our volunteer policies document for more information, including how to stay safe on the farm.
What if it rains?
Farm work is rain or shine! We recommend bringing rain gear if the forecast calls for it. In cases of severe weather, we’ll reach out to you in advance to reschedule or adjust plans. Read our volunteer policies document for all safety information.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
Sign up for and attend a volunteer orientation session and complete an application and background check. Once you’ve completed those steps, sign up for available shifts on GivePulse and wait for our team to send you an approval email.
If you’d like to volunteer as a group, please fill out this group visit interest form. We’ll work with you to find a date and time that works for your group.
Are there opportunities other than farming?
Most of our opportunities are in the fields, but we’re often looking for skilled volunteers to help with events, administrative work, educational programming, cooking, CSA pick-up, machine and facility repair, and more.
If your skills and experience fit any of these areas, learn more here.