Hundreds of volunteers share their time and talents to help our farm and education programs grow. Volunteers are the cornerstone of our operation, and we could not accomplish all that we do without their ongoing support.

There are many ways to get involved as a volunteer at Stone Barns – from weekly commitments to one-time contributions of time. A listing of volunteer opportunities available throughout the year can be found by clicking here.

Current Volunteer Opportunities–Winter 2010

Public Programs: Winter Tour Guides
Shifts: Sundays from 3:00 PM–4:30 PM, January–February.
Volunteers will lead one-hour Winter Farm Tours on Sundays at 3PM. Tours focus on winter growing techniques in our vegetable field and four-season greenhouse, as well as our winter livestock operation. Training and study materials will be provided. Public programs volunteers should be enthusiastic, enjoy educating the public about the work being done at Stone Barns Center, and willing to give outdoor tours in the winter. Our in-season volunteer tour guide opportunities will resume in March.

School Programs Volunteers
Shifts: Monday–Fridays during school hours (1–3 hour shifts) September–June
Assist Stone Barns staff in working with school groups (K-12) that visit the farm. Tasks include leading in-depth farm tours and chores such as egg-collecting, greenhouse bed cleaning, and assisting with classroom activities.

Livestock Volunteers
Shifts: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, any day of the week
The pasture-based, multi-species livestock program at Stone Barns seeks volunteers who will dedicate themselves to working side-by-side with livestock farmers to create and maintain healthy environments for the stewardship of the Center’s animals. Some of the work involves direct contact with the animals, (swine, sheep, meat and egg laying chickens, geese, turkeys and bees) although most of the day is spent moving fences, waterers, and shelters, cleaning equipment, processing eggs, and tending pastures and woodlands. These and many other details are the backbone of a management system that strives to let the animals express instinctual behaviors and develop resilient immune systems. Volunteers should be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs., work safely under all weather conditions, and take direction well. After a period of training, volunteers may be expected to work independently.

Compost Volunteers
Shifts: Vary by opportunity. See below for details.
(a) Shredding Cardboard: Assist staff with shredding cardboard as part of Stone Barns Center's cradle to grave recycling circle. Shifts: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (depending on volume), Mondays and Tuesdays].
(b) Labeling Compost: Assist staff with affixing labels to Stone Barns compost packaging. Shifts are flexible.
(c) Splitting Firewood: Assist staff with splitting and stacking firewood. Shifts are flexible.

Please note: Stone Barns volunteers must be at least 16 years old.

If you are interested in volunteering, please download an application and waiver, below, and fax the completed forms to 914 366 7905. Or, mail the forms to:

Stone Barns Center
630 Bedford Road
Pocantico Hills, NY 10591
Attn: Volunteers

Volunteer Application and Waiver: Click here to download.

For questions about volunteering, please contact Barbara Fox at barbaraf@stonebarnscenter.org.