Crabtree Farms’ WorkShare Program allows individuals to work alongside the Vegetable Farm Team to manage roughly 3 acres of (urban) vegetable and flower farm production space. Participants will be taught how to care for the soil and edible plants under production on site in exchange for produce and edible plant starts. WorkShares have the opportunity to be engaged in their community in a meaningful way by joining Crabtree Farms in its mission to expand access to locally grown food, provide farm based educational opportunities, and cultivate community.
WorkShare opportunities are limited and physically strenuous. Acceptance into the program is based on availability, willingness to learn and work hard, and an interest in urban farming!
Shifts & Schedules
The year is divided into 4 sessions (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter). Urban Farm WorkShares must commit to a weekly schedule for the duration of their chosen session. WorkShares choose one 3-hour shift each week and must sign in and out of each shift in order to receive credit for their hours.
We allow 2 missed shifts per session. Missing more than 2 shifts requires the participant to work a make-up shift or move into a regular volunteer position.
Winter 2025-2026: December 1 - February 28 (field prep, hi-tunnel work, farm maintenance)
Spring 2026: March 1– May 31 (heavy on planting, field prep, harvesting, plant care)
Summer 2026: June 1– August 31(heavy on harvesting, plant care, tomato pruning, pest management)
Fall 2026: September 1– November 30 (heavy on planting, field prep, harvesting, plant care)
Wednesdays are always committed to harvesting as we prep for market that evening. Tuesday and Friday-Saturday are group project days.
WorkShare Compensation
● All WorkShares will receive a bag of seasonal produce every other week (may also contain plants).
Tracking Hours
To track hours, WorkShares must sign-in and sign-out for each visit, preferably using the QR code on the bulletin board. There is a Vegetable Farm Sign-In clipboard in the barn, if the QR code doesn't work. Please sign in using one or the other, no need for both.
Scheduling your UF WorkShare Hours
● The Vegetable Farm staff requires a consistent commitment set for a certain day of the week (i.e. every Wednesday from 9am-12pm). Each day’s tasks are planned based upon how many workers we have; therefore, randomly showing up to a WorkShare shift is not acceptable. Crabtree staff is not inflexible, however, and will work with individuals to adjust for illness, family, vacation, etc.
● Vegetable Farm WorkShares are scheduled on Tuesday- Saturday beginning at 9:00 am (Spring, Fall, Winter) and 8:30am (Summer).
To inquire further or express interest, contact: Lauren Russek, lrussek@crabtreedfarms.org
Urban Farm WorkShare Terms & Conditions
● Persons 16 years and older may qualify for the WorkShare program
● WorkShare participants qualify as volunteers at Crabtree Farms and must attend an orientation and sign a waiver before beginning work
● Small children and pets are not permitted to accompany a WorkShare to any shift unless accompanied by someone else who is responsible for watching them
● If the arrangement becomes unsatisfactory at any time, the contract may be terminated by either party
