Volunteer
We invite you to come get your hands dirty for the community and for hunger relief efforts in Garfield County!
Our next volunteer opportunity for the public will be on Wednesday, May 8 from 9am-12pm.
Testimonials
“I volunteer at Highwater Farm just to replant the dirt under my fingernails, drive the racy wheelbarrows, operate farm implements and work on my fitness. I love the smell of compost in the morning, the row upon row of garlic and tomatoes and sunflowers and marigolds and carrots. You should try it, you get to be around the hardest working farmers in the whole wide valley. The women drive the tractor, the schedule, and bring the sunshine.”
— Dan Becker
“Volunteering at Highwater Farm gives me the opportunity to appreciate how our food is grown and help with the process. I love working with the fabulous Highwater staff and getting to know other volunteers from our community. It’s always a fun experience at the farm!”
— Jenny Zetah
“I have had the fortune of volunteering at the Farm for a couple of seasons now and I can’t say enough about how rewarding, educational, and fun it has been! Each task is preceded with great training and I always have a feeling of accomplishment. It has been a true pleasure to work with the amazing team at Highwater and I can’t wait to help again next season!”
— Bronwyn Rittner
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign up for open volunteer days in advance?
No. Anyone ready to volunteer can show up on time to open volunteer days and you will sign-in in person.
Where do I park?
Please do not drive through any gates or through any of the fence lines. Park in the large dirt parking lot at the end of the dirt road. This dirt lot serves as the Silt River Preserve and Highwater Farm parking.
I’ve never been to the farm, how do i get in?
After parking, please meet Highwater staff under the large tree by the ditch line. Highwater staff will greet volunteers there and begin the day. We will then enter the farm gates together.
What if I’m running late?
We ask that you do not attend an open volunteer session if you are running late. While we understand that unanticipated circumstances do occur, it's best to skip that day and catch the next one. It is important for us to start together as a group to be efficient and know who we are working with for the day.
do i need to stay the entire time?
Our volunteer opportunities are most successful when everyone is committed to the time allotted. However, we understand that it can be difficult to schedule and we don’t want that to prevent motivated volunteers from showing up. If this is the case for you, please email Ava prior to showing up at the farm, stating that you will need to leave early and let us know when you sign in for the day.
Can I bring my children under 12 years old to volunteer?
Please email Ava prior to the day you want to volunteer with children. We do welcome all ages, and it's important to know what you hope to achieve when volunteering with children. Communication ahead of time will help us plan and help you understand what to expect.
What should I wear?
Closed-toed shoes are required. We recommend long pants, long sleeves, and a sun hat. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts are acceptable, but will increase your exposure to sun, wind, and plants.
What should I bring?
Please bring a full water bottle. It is also recommended to have a light snack and sunscreen on hand. You may bring gloves or knee-pads if you prefer.
Is there a restroom on site?
There is a port-a-potty in the parking lot. It is the only restroom available, and it's a good idea to use it before meeting up at the cottonwood tree.
Do volunteers get to bring home produce?
No, volunteers are donating their time and should not expect monetary or food compensation for their work. The volunteer opportunities are designed for community members to connect to local agriculture, land, and their neighbors through meaningful work. We hope volunteers leave the farm on these days with a sense of accomplishment for their contributions and having learned something new.