The Accokeek Foundation is looking for five new volunteers to assist in the production of our heirloom corn variety on the National Colonial Farm. Volunteers will be working once or twice a week, April-October/November, to help plant, tend, weed, and harvest both our Virginia Gourdseed Corn fields and our colonial Kitchen Garden. This is a unique opportunity to explore the agriculture and history of Southern Maryland while playing an instrumental role in the Foundation’s heirloom vegetable seed-saving program. Volunteers may also have the chance to participate in National Colonial Farm events as costumed interpreters to help demonstrate for visitors 18th century farming techniques. A love of working outdoors and basic gardening knowledge is required, but we’ll teach you everything else.
Description of Duties:
- For corn field: A Volunteer “Crop Master” will assist the farm manager in the general maintenance of the crop and field through tasks such as: making hills, planting, tending, watering, and weeding. A “Crop Master” will assist with the harvesting in the fall and preparing the fields for winter through techniques such as cover cropping. Post harvest, they will assist in drying the corn then sorting and saving the seeds.
- In the Kitchen Garden: A Volunteer “Crop Master” will assist the farm manager in the general maintenance of the garden through tasks such as planting, weeding, harvesting, watering, pruning the fruit trees, and saving for seed.
- A Volunteer “Crop Master” may also be asked to participate in National Colonial Farm events by working in period clothing and demonstrating 18th century farming techniques to visitors.
No previous experience is necessary, just a love of history, people, and working outdoors. Opportunities exist for all skill levels. All agricultural and historical interests are encouraged and welcome.
Schedules are flexible.
Full position description and application: click here
For more information please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Casey Lowe at volunteers@accokeek.org
