Work parties

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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 every Friday.

What are the agreements for being part of a "work party"?: Here is how it works - you come over at 9:30 AM and work on the farm for approximately 6 hours, and we'll feed you lunch 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. If you can't start at 9:30, come at 1 PM instead. Please avoid coming at other times unless you check with us first — it's disruptive for us to stop what we're doing at numerous points throughout the day in order to orient late-comers!

Is this the same as "WWOOFing"?: Our regular work parties are intended for locals and visitors to spend a day and a meal with us, so we can get to know each other better — while getting some work done! In contrast, WWOOFers typically stay for an extended period (typically two weeks or more), camping or staying indoors in poor weather. A third category are interns, who stay for a much longer period of several months, with whom we are able to incorporate an educational component into their stay. Please read our WWOOF FAQ and fill out our WWOOF application if you are interested in a longer arrangement.

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, biodiesel, 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 farm 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.

Who can participate?: Almost anyone. Bring your friends and family! If you want to work all day, please let us know in advance so we'll have enough food for lunch. If you're coming for just the morning or afternoon, feel free to drop in unannounced.

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. (How to get to EcoReality.) The phone number at the farm is 250-653-2024.