Working at Forest Farm
Work Opportunities
- Resident Stewardship
- Summer Apprenticeship
- Volunteer!
Resident Stewardship
The Residential Stewardship is a one-year renewable residency sponsored by The Good Life Center. Resident Stewards live at Forest Farm, manage the gardens, live off the land, and entertain the many hundreds of visitors who come to Forest Farm every year. It is designed to perpetuate Forest Farm as a place of inspiration, to help promote the mission and goals of The Good Life Center, and offers recipients a rare opportunity for simple living, organic gardening, and inspiration. It is hoped that a year or more of immersion in the Nearing lifeways, combining hand labor and intellectual pursuit, will enliven the Stewards’ capacities to make future contributions to progressive social change.
The Resident Stewards term begins in March each year. The application deadline is typically October 31 of the preceding fall. Keep an eye on this website for future Resident Stewardship openings.
Resident Stewards perform their annual magic:
Resident Steward Alumni:
–click for bios–
- Joel Walther, current
- Bob St. Peter and Juli Perry, current
- Katie Prochaska and Mike Bollinger, 2005 - 2006
- Travis Klami and Rebecc Hein, 2003-2005
- Rachel Glickman and Henry Zachini, 2001-2003
- Neha Shukla and Christopher Eaton, 2000
- Jennifer Jones and Jake Kennedy, 1998-2000
- Pam Lombard and Martin Spahn, 1997
- Becky Gould, 1996
Summer Apprenticeship
Each summer The Good Life Center hires an Apprentice to assist the Resident Stewards with gardening and hosting visitors. We look for someone who is comfortable with the public and a willing worker, but no experience is necessary. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who is interested in social justice, sustainable living, self-sufficiency and learning more about the life works of Helen and Scott Nearing.
The length of the apprenticeship is negotiable, as is the amount of time required to be at the farm. However, to make the most of this learning opportunity, the position should cover at least three months of the growing season and would be at least part-time (20-25 hours a week). There is ample opportunity to learn organic gardening and homesteading, as well as event organizing and public relations. We encourage applicants who seek a worthwhile educational experience and who are currently involved in, or are pursuing, social justice work.
On-site living accomodations are not available, although we will assist the apprentice with locating a place as near The Good Life Center as possible. Email us for more information.
We will begin reviewing applications in MARCH of each year with a deadline of April 15. If you would like to apply, please send us a letter describing yourself and what you would like to get out of this experience. Any relevant work experience or activism may also be included.
WANTED!!! 2008 SUMMER APPRENTICE
We are looking for a responsible, hardworking, and enthusiastic individual to apprentice at Scott and Helen Nearing’s Forest Farm. Responsibilities include working in gardens, greenhouse, maintaining grounds and giving tours. Individuals will also be encouraged to attend workshops and Monday Night Meetings and look forward to learning about simple living and sustainability practices.
Stipend available.Please call Juli or Joel at 326-8211 for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
We’ve got the tools…Your support, in a contribution of dollars or time, is needed to carry on the Good Life Center’s legacy.
Volunteers are the foundation of The Good Life Center.
Instead of being a spectator when you come to visit, join the fun, and we’ll put you to work as Scott and Helen would have done. Come for an hour, a day, or on a regular basis with or without prior skills, but with an eagerness to work. An extra pair of hands is always appreciated. Projects are seasonal and may include: harvesting seaweed, making compost, collecting hay, gardening, weeding, mowing, food preservation, stacking firewood, etc. Or contact us if you have any special talents to share. In any case, be dressed to get dirty.
We are always interested in learning about homesteaders near and far, suggested speakers for Monday Night Meetings, and other organizations and individuals who may be interested in our work. Write, email, or call us and share your ideas.