Frequently Asked Questions

our volunteers

What do volunteers do?

Garden volunteers grow seedlings, and plant, mulch, water, weed, harvest, wash, and prepare vegetables and fruit for distribution. They also learn about organic gardening, issues of hunger and homelessness, local history and environment, and the basics of agriculture.

How long do volunteers work?

Volunteers are invited to help for as little as a few hours, or to set up a regular schedule of volunteer times. Many volunteers choose to come several times during the growing season to see the results of their work.

Who volunteers?

We welcome groups and individuals (age 5 and older) who want to have fun while learning about growing food. Volunteers come as individuals and as part of faith, community, schools, and youth groups. Generally, several volunteers are helping at any given time, and we often have larger groups of students or other community organizations in the gardens for special programs. Depending on age, experience, physical ability, and interest, individual adult volunteers often help with groups. No previous garden experience is necessary.

How old do you need to be to volunteer?

Minimum age for unaccompanied volunteers is 16.

What about younger children?

Children 5 and older are welcome if accompanied by parents or other adults to supervise them.

details

What should we wear?

Please wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. We strongly encourage you to wear a hat for sun protection, and bring sun block. If the forecast calls for rain, please bring rain jackets and shoes or boots for the mud!

What if it rains? Is our visit canceled?

No. The only time we are not in the garden is during thunder and lightning.

What does Gaining Ground provide?

We provide tools, water, and gardening gloves.

Should we bring food?

Depending on the season, you will be able to sample produce from the garden. However, bring along any other snacks or drinks you might want during your visit.

the gardens

Where is Gaining Ground?

The main garden of Gaining Ground is located in Concord, Massachusetts on nine acres of farmland behind the birthplace of Henry David Thoreau, American writer and naturalist. Gaining Ground also operates a smaller, colonial reproduction garden in Concord on the grounds of The Old Manse, once home to Nathaniel Hawthorne and to the Emerson family. Volunteer opportunities are available at both sites during the growing season for appropriate groups. Both gardens are near public transportation in Concord Center, but are easier to get to by car. Our administrative office is located in Concord Center at the Concord Scout House, 74 Walden Street.

When are the Gaining Ground gardens open?

Our season runs from April through October. We welcome individual volunteers Tuesday through Saturday, between 9am and 4pm (5pm on Fridays). We are open Sundays 9am to 4pm for volunteer groups (12 to 16 people). All volunteers must email to schedule their visits.

What's the work like?

Every day is different, but working in the garden is fun, physical work that our volunteers find rewarding and interesting. No gardening experience is needed.

Where does the food go?

Throughout the harvest season, produce from Gaining Ground's garden goes to shelters, food pantries, and meal programs throughout Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts. We maintain a waiting list of organizations in need - proof of the strong need for the service that Gaining Ground offers. Organizations that received produce from Gaining Ground in 2009 included The Open Table (Concord), Ayer Council on Aging, Sudbury Food Pantry, Acton Food Pantry, Loaves and Fishes (Ayer), and Bedford Community Table and Pantry. We also run a direct-donation program in Concord-Carlisle called Food for Families.

other ways to support gaining ground

Are there other volunteer opportunities outside of the garden?

Office volunteers help in our office—in the Thoreau Birth House at 341 Virginia Rd., Concord—with mailings, data entry, volunteer scheduling, publicity, and program and event planning.

Can our group make a donation to Gaining Ground?

Gaining Ground relies on donations from individuals and groups to support its programs. For example, schools and church groups have generously established fund drives and other efforts to raise money for Gaining Ground. Tax-deductible donations can be sent to Gaining Ground, P.O. Box 374, Concord, MA 01742.