COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING
Join us on the farm! Often the best way to learn is by doing. Get a taste of the myriad of things a farmer does while preparing and growing seasonal plantings of vegetables, greens, medicinal and culinary herbs and cover crops!
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Volunteer days are held on the second Saturday of every month from 9:30am-12:30pm. Rain or a special event may cancel a regularly scheduled shift so please check our social media ahead of time. No experience is necessary, and families are welcome!
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Please RSVP by either signing up directly on the bottom of this page or by signing up through HandsOn San Diego.
2023 Volunteer Dates
March 11th
April 8th
May 13th
June 10th
July 8th
August 12th
September 9th
October 14th
November 11th
December 9th
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COVID safety protocol must be respected, we want to keep our staff and community safe! Please do not come to the farm if you have any symptoms of illness.
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What to Bring​
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Please come prepared for sunshine, cold, heat and working in the dirt.
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We have bugs, all kinds of wild plants, animals, and more, so please bring any medications you need for allergies.
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Closed-toe shoes (no sandals), long pants and sleeves, sun hat, and a mask.
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Sunscreen, refillable water bottle, and snacks.
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Please pack out your trash and recyclables.
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We welcome people of all ages and abilities, but please leave your pets at home.
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Waiver: You will be required to sign in on our tablet or smart phone at the volunteer check-in station and accept the waiver before being able to assist us for the day.
Questions?
Please read our frequently asked questions below! If you still have questions, we will be happy to answer them for you.
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Make sure you can definitely attend your volunteer shift before you RSVP.
Arrive 10- 15 minutes early to get familiar with the farm and settle in.
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Introduce yourself to staff, check in and fill out a liability form.
Please note: every volunteer opportunity is by RSVP only.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What kind of tasks will I be given?
It depends on your level of experience, abilities, and the needs of the farm that week. Tasks might include: mucking animal pens, weeding, bed building, planting, develop areas for our classes and field trips, mulching, putting up structures, compositing, and more!
Q: Do I need farm or gardening experience?
The farm is a great place for people of all ages and abilities. You'll get to work with Wild Willow Farm farmers, team leaders, and interns. WWF is an educational farm, so there's no experience required, and we'll teach you everything you need to know to be involved. Don't hesitate to ask us any questions.
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Q: Can I bring kids with me?
Yes, we love it when families introduce agriculture and teach the younger generation the importance of nurturing the Earth and other organisms around us! We'll do our best to find appropriate activities for your family, which may mean there are certain activities we won't permit due to the sensitivity of crops or challenges that may be dangerous for children.
You may bring kids of any age you feel suitable to be around a farm. Some activities may including contact with dirt, bugs, biting ants, thistles and burrs, farm animals, tools, and nature. Rest assured we do not use any harmful chemicals on the soil or food we grow. Children must remain under your direct supervision or awareness at all times. Please no unaccompanied children unless by prior arrangement, such as for school service hours.
Your family is welcome to just enjoy the nature, sounds, scents, and sights of our farm if you feel your kids are too young to make volunteering a meaningful experience. Walk around, observe the things that are happening on the farm, meet our animals, or take a nature walk on the trail adjacent to our farm!
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Q: Do you sign off community service hours?
We are open for school or court-ordered community service hours. If you are under 18, please arrive with a parent or guardian to check you in and give you permission to participate (parents/guardians need not stay). Please let us know at check-in if you need us to sign-off on your required paperwork. We will not verify any court-ordered service without prior arrangement.
If you are looking for easy ways to fulfill your community service requirements, this is not it! We will only sign off on your paperwork if you actually work. Be ready to fully participate and be engaged because your work here matters!
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Q: What if it rains?
Even though it only rains 10" a year on average in San Diego, when it does rain, it can get uncomfortably muddy on the farm. If it's been raining heavily at the farm over several days or there is prediction of significant amounts of rain for an upcoming Saturday, more than likely our volunteering day will be canceled. Please check our Instagram or Facebook page to verify the Saturday you plan on coming in hasn't been canceled due to weather or a special event.