WWOOF USA
If you’re a puny, pale-skinned urban weed like me and are curious about what life “down on the farm” is like, check out World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms USA (WWOOF USA) for a directory of more than 500 organic farmers in the U.S. who would love to have you volunteer. (You trade your muscles for meals and accommodation.) WWOOF began in the ’70s in the U.K. by a woman named Sue Coppard, who wanted to provide Londoners an opportunity to be part of the organic farming movement, even if it was only on weekends. Today, programs can be found in over 28 countries.
If you’re a member of a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, you can always enquire with your local farmer, as well, if you develop a sudden yen for donning plaid work shirts and overalls. The city folk of my CSA are helping ours weed, plow, and harvest this Sunday. (Cue canned laughter.)
Liz said,
August 8, 2006 at 4:29 pm
My friends WWOOF’ed in New Zealand/Fiji, and I know someone else who WWOOF’ed across Europe. It’s a really great program.
The Worsted Witch » Updates & Miscellany said,
August 14, 2006 at 6:32 pm
[...] Newbie Gardening I have a wee catnip seedling and an even-more wee lemon balm seedling growing on my windowsill. A broadleaf thyme cutting I planted taught me a hard lesson about misting young leaves in the mid-afternoon and encouraging leaf burn. Poo. Oh well, ever onward, upward. Oh, I also have three lavender seeds in an Earthplug I’m quite excited about. (Poor hub has to endure my bursts of “Grow For Me” from Little Shop of Horrors because he’s married to a complete ham.) I didn’t get to go to the farm on Sunday because we weren’t able to get a ride, but I’m sure other opportunities will arise. [...]