Give Your Time, Change the Gardens

SustainEd Farms does not run on staff alone. Throughout the growing season we host many volunteer events ranging from corporate volunteer days, community groups and volunteer happy hours which are hosted by SEF's Board of Directors. So far this year we have hosted eight volunteer event! We love getting people into gardens and being able to chat while we pull weeds, organize seed packets or take on larger projects.

Our first volunteer day was at the end of April with Credera, a business and IT consultant firm. They have been volunteering with us for years and always donate a significant portion of their day, multiple times a year, for bigger garden projects. This last time we worked at the shared Manual Middle and High School garden spreading new crusher fines and supporting the weeding efforts that the garden enrichment students had started.

We have also been part of a volunteer event hosted by the University Park (UPark) Green Team. This group is comprised of parents, students, and teachers who do environmental focused events every other Wednesday during the school year. Touted on the school's webpage "Through fun and interactive activities, Green Team members learn ways to protect the environment such as reducing waste, reusing materials, recycling, composting, saving energy and using sustainable materials." During one of their meetings we joined them in their school garden to prepare the beds for when the students and their classmates would plant them out, with SustainEd.

Students supporting garden maintenance

Students ripping up cardboard to add brown matter to the compost

Staff and volunteer plant a bare root tree

Credera volunteer event

Rotary Epic Day of Service volunteer event

Group picture

Westwood volunteer event at Kepner Beacon

Our most recent volunteer event was in partnership with GrowHaus and this is what our Manager of Operations and Programs had to say, "Teens from the GrowHaus came to plant in the garden and learn about various things. It was a very hot day and they worked hard in the sun, planting a pollinator flower garden, amending our compost pile, planting seedlings and seeds, caring for the three sisters bed, watering, pruning raspberries, and more! They had lots of great questions and insights, and they are such hard workers! Also, our own SEF Manual interns, came for the whole event and were such incredible leaders and experts of the garden space."

We are privileged to work with so many youth across Denver. They never cease to ask thought provoking and insightful questions that expand our perspectives both on sustainability and gardening but also on youth and their ability to intentionally engage.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not share more about out Board of Directors hosted Volunteer Happy Hours. These events will occur on the second Thursday of the month through October. The volunteer work - which generally lasts about 45 minutes - takes place at a different school each month. This allows for people to support the work at a school closest to them. After some work we invite volunteers to spend some time with us at a local brewery to connect with staff and Board members in a more relaxed setting. If you are interested in volunteering with us follow us on social media for the most timely and up-to-date information! If you and a group are interested in volunteering and supporting our garden work please fill out this form and our team will reach out!