ECO: Sunday Farming with Community

Come farm with Botanical Community Development Initiatives (BCDI)!

BCDI has a working urban farm growing food for the community. Sundays are days when they all get together to work on all aspects of the farm. This is a good opportunity to meet new folks and learn about growing food, composting, caring for plants, and so much more!

Volunteer tasks will vary but may include: planting, seeding, weeding, mulching, up-potting, working with the compost system, chicken care, painting signs, organizing, cleaning, data entry, seed collecting, seed sorting, and/or various maintenance projects or building projects. All skills and abilities are welcome. Let us know if you have any particular skills you'd like to share with the farm!

Sundays are also commmunity compost drop-off days so bring your kitchen scraps with you! You can bring things like shredded paper, manure: bunny, chicken, goat or horse, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other compostable materials to be composted.

Opportunity Requirements & Important Notes

• Attire: Be prepared to work outside. Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required. Dress in layers in weather appropriate attire that can get dirty. Using sunscreen is recommended. 

• Bring: Water bottle with plenty of water - there is no drinking fountain on site. Please bring your own work gloves. 

• Physical Ability: All skills and abilities are welcome. This project is wheelchair accessible. Tasks for individuals with limited physical abilities would include: seed sorting, seeding, data entry and planting in raised planted boxes.

• Waiver: Every volunteer is required to sign a waiver. Anyone under 18 must have waiver signed by a parent/legal guardian. Please also sign waivers for very young children attending with parents. Sign waiver here.

• ​Compost Drop Off: BCDI recently started a composting endeavor to divert organic matter from the landfill. If you're attending a Sunday shift, you are welcome to drop off food scraps and organic matter before/after your volunteer shift. BCDI just asks that you remove all plastics and do not include excessive amounts of meat or dairy. Please use a reusable container like a bucket or ice cream container to drop off food scraps. New plastic bags are not recommended since the effort is meant to reduce waste, not make more. View this flyer for more information. 

• Note: Please download the HandsOn Connect app to your smart device to electronically sign the waiver and check in at this volunteer opportunity. The HandsOn Connect App can be downloaded from the Apple Store and Google Play.​
  
  BCDI requests that groups of 8 or larger sign up at least 72 hours before the project starts. If your group would like a farm tour, additional programming, or a private volunteer shift, please visit this page for more information.

About Botanical Community Development Initiatives

Botanical Community Development Initiatives (BCDI) is working to improve lives by connect plants, people, and community. Community Roots Farm is a project of BCDI and is 1-acre urban farm located in an Oceanside neighborhood and grows food with community, for community. The sustainably-grown produce is served in meals to children in local state-funded preschools that are located in low socioeconomic neighborhoods where access to fresh food is lacking.

This volunteer opportunity is hosted in partnership with California Climate Action Corps, a program of California Volunteers, Office of the Governor. 

By registering for this opportunity, you are agreeing to stay connected with future Climate Action events through California Volunteers and the Climate Action Corps. If you do not consent, please email info@handsonsandiego.org to opt-out.