Join us at the farm! Whether you are interested in growing vegetables, herbalism, or just ready to get out of the house and take action, we rely on volunteers of all kinds.
We host volunteer sessions from April – October, Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:30am – 11:30am. During the months of mid-April – June, September, and October, we also host Saturdays 10am – 12pm. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome! We just ask that all attendees younger than 14 be accompanied by a responsible adult guardian.
Volunteer FAQ’s
Where is the farm?
Newhall Fields is located at 193 Lynn Street, Peabody. Walk down the path to the left of the large greenhouse along the white plastic fence. We are located in the field behind Tillie’s Farm Stand.
Where do I park?
Please park on Lynn Street south of our driveway. Please do not park in front of the beige garage, in the field, in front of the farm stand, or in the parking lot. Some of this is private parking, and the rest is reserved for customers patronizing Tillie’s Farm Stand.
Is the farm accessible by public transit?
Yes, you can take MBTA Bus route #435 (Liberty Tree Mall to Central Square Lynn), which stops at Lynn Street and Fairview Avenue- one block from Tillie’s Farm.
What will I be doing?
Tasks on the farm are specific to the time of year. Because we grow a diverse range of different vegetable and herb crops, you might be doing something different on any given day! Tasks might include planting, prepping beds, mulching, composting, harvesting, washing, weeding, and more. We begin our morning meeting promptly at the beginning of the session to discuss the tasks and priorities for the day. Please arrive reasonably prepared to work for 2 or 3 hours (with breaks).
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring a full water bottle-hydration is important! Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, and that are comfortable for working-bending over, digging, lifting etc. Please check the weather and dress for the elements- layering is helpful for temperature changes, and sturdy, closed-toed shoes are strongly recommended. Wearing a hat and sunscreen is also recommended in the summer. We do have communal gloves available, but feel free to bring your own gardening gloves if you’re so inclined.
Can I bring a group to the farm for a field trip or community service day?
Yes, we host field trips and volunteer days for larger groups throughout the growing season. Please email [email protected] to get more information on scheduling these types of events.
Who does the farm benefit?
Over 70% of the food grown on the farm is donated to our local food pantries and distributed through our farm share program. Newhall Fields runs farm-based educational programs and community service volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities. Our mission is to strengthen community access to locally grown, nourishing, affordable food for everyone while caring for our climate, soils, and planet.
Do you ever cancel due to weather conditions?
We do work rain or shine, and leave it up to you to make the decision whether or not you are comfortable working outdoors in the day’s conditions. In the event of severe weather or thunder/lightning, we will cancel the volunteer session and you will be notified via the email address with which you registered.
Are there forms to complete?
Yes, there is a liability waiver and photo release form to fill out before you volunteer with us. Your waiver will be valid for one year.
Just a reminder, all volunteers must be high school aged or older. If you are under 14 years of age, you must be accompanied by a responsible adult guardian.
Newhall Fields Community Farm aims to provide a safe, respectful, and comfortable space for all our volunteers. Please let us know if you have any allergies, conditions, or concerns you think we should be aware of while you are at the farm. We also request that everyone at the farm treat each other with respect, kindness, and understanding. Any type of harassment, lewdness, or hate speech won’t be tolerated.
