Work parties

From EcoReality

We have our yearly schedule set for work parties at our farm on Salt Spring Island. We hope you'll come visit and get your hands in the dirt with us!

You can see the schedule on our meetings page. Typically, we have a work party on the Sunday following the last Saturday of the month.

The work usually starts on Sunday and goes in to the week, depending on off-island visitors' schedules. You can come on Saturday if you wish, we have a member's meeting in the afternoon where you can observe and we have an advisory council meeting Saturday afternoons in which you can participate. Saturday night is a potluck and movie.

What are the agreements for being part of a "work party"?: Here is how it works - you come over and work on the farm for approximately 6 hours per day and we'll put you up, feed you 3 meals per day and do our best to transport you to and from the ferry. Ideally the day begins or ends with a jump in the pond or the ocean (in summer months) which are both walking distance.

What kind of work is there to do?: There is all kinds of work to be done on the farm, we have a giant list. Everything from weeding to digging new ground to composting, potting, watering, picking, pruning, etc. If you have special skills, let us know -- we also have projects involving building, electrical, plumbing, chemistry, mechanics, etc. We welcome any expertise and ideas that you may bring. There will be choices of jobs, we understand that not everyone wants to swing a 25 pound mattock in to hard ground all day. We're willing to work with everyone who is there to choose jobs that suit you (and us).

What kind of farm is it?: We have 37 acres owned by our co-op, next to 63 acres of community land and backed by 400 acres of public parkland. We have 12 acres of hay, some fruit trees, a 44'x42' fenced garden area, and lots of space to create more crops. Right now James and Shannon spend about 3-4 days per month at the farm and Jan and Carol are there full time. James and Shannon will move there in August 2008.

What are the accommodations like?: We have a 2650 sqft house that has a couple of guest beds and a lot of floor space, and a 1500 sqft house that may have an extra bed or two. We also have tents for the yard and lots of room for you to pitch your own tent. It's "first come first served," so if you want to come and stay let me know and we'll work out where you'll sleep. Food is vegetarian and plentiful. We try to incorporate as much organic and local as we can in to the meals.

How does one sign up?: Please read our WWOOF FAQ and fill out our WWOOF application. Or call the farm at 250-653-2024.

Who can participate?: Almost anyone. Bring your friends and family, please let us know in advance.

What about visiting instead of working?: Although we have limited space, and generally have way too much work to do, friends and family can occasionally come and visit and not participate in the work parties. We will ask for a financial contribution to the meals and lodging if you are not working. See our visitor information. We encourage you to consider working and not just visiting, we have lots of fun and learn lots all day.

Where are we located?: We're at 2152 Fulford Ganges Road about 3km west of Fulford Harbour. Here is a map. The phone number at the farm is 250-5653-2024.