As we look to expand and improve our roster of programs, we need your help!

O’Brien Farm is seeking a team of dedicated volunteers to assist in the following areas:

Event Support

Events occur all year round at the farm, and range from small cooking classes to family days to After Dark, our largest and signature Halloween event.

Typical roles include:

  • Selling food, drinks, or merchandise

  • Greeting arriving guests

  • Giving short tours of the cottage and visitor centre

  • Acting as ushers for performances

  • Supporting workshops and family day activities

Building Management

As a heritage site and working farm, our buildings need lots of attention. These projects typically take place in the spring, fall, and summer.

Typical roles include:

  • Painting building exteriors

  • Fence mending

  • Building and repairing small storage sheds

  • Building shelving, cupboards, etc.

Education

Our efforts to tell the O’Brien family story and the role of Irish farmers in the development of St. John’s take many forms.

We need volunteers to help with:

  • School Field Trips: From leading programs to rounding up stragglers, depending on your knowledge and comfort level

  • Museum Docents: Assisting visitors to the cottage and Interpretation Centre during the busy summer months, especially on weekends

Forest Management

These projects take place from approximately the end of April through September or October, depending on weather.

Typical roles include:

  • Light gardening (planting, weeding, hoeing, etc.)

  • Forest condition assessment (downed trees, stray fire pits, etc.)

  • Trail maintenance

  • Lawn mowing

Requirements

  • All participants must be 18 years or older

  • Have enthusiasm for learning, working with others, and spending time outside

  • Participants in Forest Management and Building Maintenance activities should have some previous experience and be prepared to supply their own tools if necessary

Sign Up!

To become a Friend of the Farm, please fill out the form below.

Still have questions? We’re happy to help! Send us an email at volunteer@obrienfarm.ca.