Volunteers are essential to keeping the JMU Forest Garden beautiful and thriving. We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help with ongoing support of EFG maintenance, including periodic short-term tasks and ongoing work that will keep the forest garden productive. We also invite interested students to help plan events, develop outreach materials, and assist with building connections to local partners and schools. Whether you have an ongoing passion for forestry, nature, and fruit trees, or want to learn something new, please consider becoming part of the JMU Edible Forest Garden community!
Here are a couple ways that volunteers can get involved:
Hands-On Volunteers
- Help with episodic garden maintenance (weeding, planting, pruning)
- Help with weekly garden maintenance (watering)
- Help with specialized tasks (grafting, pruning)
- Assist with establishment of fruit tree guilds (selection of species and their location)
Educators and Content Developers
- Develop educational materials for local schools
- Present educational programs for school groups
- Serve as a guide for school groups (training provided)
- Help with special events
- Develop social media to enhance public outreach opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering at the EFG, please contact Mikaela Schmitt-Harsh via email at schmi2ml@jmu.edu.