Newton Community Farm is looking for extra hands in the dirt this summer: show up, sign up a day ahead, and be at least 12 years old.
The nonprofit, which operates Newton's last working farm at 303 Nahanton St., is recruiting volunteers for two recurring programs through summer 2026. A Thursday morning Weed Crew meets from 9 to 11 a.m., led by members of the NCF Board of Directors. Saturday morning sessions run from 10 a.m. to noon and rotate through tasks like mulching, transplanting, harvesting, and weeding.
The push for new volunteers follows what NCF's 2025 annual report called a "significant decline in dedicated field volunteers" during the prior growing season. The farm, which has operated since 2006 on roughly one acre at the historic Angino farmstead, sold approximately 56,360 pounds of more than 81 varieties of produce and herbs in 2025. It donated about $22,600 worth of food to the Newton Food Pantry, Freedge, Boston Area Gleaners, and Spoonfuls over 28 weeks that year.
"I don't want us to be a hidden gem," farm manager Andrea Egan said in a June 21 profile published by Fig City News marking the farm's 20th anniversary.
Executive director Laila Bravo, who took the role in April, told Fig City News that the farm belongs to everyone in Newton and that volunteers are essential to its operation.
Who can volunteer
Both programs are open to anyone 12 and older. Youth ages 12 to 14 must be accompanied by a volunteering adult. High school students can use either shift to fulfill community service graduation requirements, according to the NCF website.
Registration for each session closes 24 hours in advance. NCF asks volunteers to wear comfortable clothes, closed-toe shoes, and bring a water bottle.
How long the programs run
The Thursday Weed Crew runs June through September. Saturday morning sessions run June through August. No specific final session dates have been announced for 2026.
How to sign up
Information and registration links are available at newtoncommunityfarm.org/individual-volunteering. The farm can also be reached at (617) 916-9655 or [email protected].
Upcoming at Newton Community Farm:
- Thursdays through September — Weed Crew, 9–11 a.m., 303 Nahanton St.
- Saturdays through August — Morning volunteer sessions, 10 a.m.–noon, 303 Nahanton St.
