Our nature preserves are open to the public 365 days per year from sunrise to sunset, providing natural places that offer peace and respite for all. Willistown Conservation Trust owns and manages Hartman Meadow, Ashbridge, Kirkwood, Kestrel Hill and Rushton Woods Preserves. We maintain these lands to preserve and enhance … Learn more about our nature preserves.
“Just Show Up” Volunteer Wednesdays at Rushton Farm
This is an opportunity to work in the fields with the farmers. You can just show up at the farm from 9 am-4 pm on any Wednesday during the season and check-in and fill out a waiver with a member of the farm staff. You can spend the whole day or just an hour. Any amount of time you spend with us on the land contributes to our efforts and is greatly appreciated!
Please pre-arrange with Fred de Long cfd@wctrust.org). Volunteers should bring a mask.
What is the work like?
Farm tasks vary depending on the season but include planting, transplanting, weeding, trellising, mulching, harvesting, and fall clean up. Farm work can be physically challenging and volunteers should be prepared to get dirty. Volunteer days at Rushton Farm provide opportunities for individuals from multiple generations and backgrounds to interact and have fun while they work together as a team to accomplish a task.
What do I need to bring?
Work gloves, a water bottle, sunscreen, sun hat, and rain gear (depending on the weather). If you have a medical condition such as asthma or anaphylaxis (the farm does have honey bees) please bring your inhaler, epi-pen, or other pertinent medical supplies.
What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Recommended attire includes long pants, a t-shirt, and a hat. All volunteers are required to wear closed toed shoes because you may be working with sharp tools. Bring extra layers and rain gear so you are comfortable working in most weather conditions.
Do we still work when it rains?
The farm staff works in most weather conditions including rain. If field conditions become unworkable or unsafe due to weather the field managers will tell volunteers and their group leaders to stop work.
What about lunch and water?
The farm staff breaks for lunch between 12 pm – 1 pm. Volunteers are welcome to bring their lunch and enjoy it in the farm shed. There are sinks in the farm shed with filtered water which participants can use to fill their water bottles.
