Whether you’d like to lead field trips, work on the farm or support an event we can always use your help.

Volunteer Opportunities Spring 2021

Click here for directions to the Grow Lunch Garden and First Foods Forest at Topaz Farm, and for information on what to expect and how to prepare for a work party.

Fridays on the Farm

If you are interested in volunteering with us this spring, coming to our Fridays on the Farm work parties is the best way to get involved. We will be hosting work parties in the Grow Lunch Garden and First Foods Forest on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month starting May 7th (dates below). All work parties take place from 10am-2pm, and you are welcome to come for any portion of the time. We will update this page with any additional work parties or workshops scheduled.

Registration is recommended but not required. If you know you’re planning on coming to one of our work parties, we would love it if you’d fill out our SIC Farm Work Party Sign-up Form in advance. 

Spring 2021 upcoming work party dates:

Friday, April 16th from 10am-2pm

Friday, May 7th from 10am-2pm

Friday, May 21st from 10am-2pm

Friday, June 4th from 10am-2pm

Friday, June 18th from 10am-2pm

Topaz Farm opens to the public Mother’s Day weekend; you are welcome to visit the farm and check out the Grow Lunch Garden and First Foods Forest anytime the gates are open!

Volunteer Field Trip Leaders

Are you passionate about gardening, nature, or working outdoors with children? If so, consider volunteering with the Sauvie Island Center! Volunteers lead small groups of elementary school students through interactive, hands-on, farm-based lessons on plant life cycles, pollination, soil science and more.
A trip to the Sauvie Island Center is a rich and unique opportunity for Portland youth to visit and explore everything that Topaz Farm has to offer. Apply today to become a Volunteer Field Trip Leader.

Volunteer Field Trip Leaders are essential to the success of our program! As a Sauvie Island Center volunteer you will:

-Gain experience in environmental education and gardening.

-Spend your days outside on beautiful Sauvie Island.

-Become a member of a dynamic and energetic team of educators.

-Taste fresh produce from Topaz Farm.

-Plant the seeds of knowledge and stewardship in local youth.

Qualifications:

-Passion for connecting kids with the food they eat.

-Positive, ‘can do’ attitude.

-Ability to work outdoors in variable climatic conditions and on uneven terrain.

-Ability to pass background check.

Volunteering for our Spring 2021 field trip season will look a little different than usual.

Our onsite programming will consist of 8 mini field trips held at Topaz Farm throughout the Spring 2021 season.

Family field trips will occur every Wednesday starting April 21st and ending June 9th.

Onsite volunteer training will be held Wednesday, April 14th from 9am-12:30pm. For more information and details on volunteer commitments please see our Family Field Trip Volunteer Flier.

If you have questions, email Volunteer, or call 503-341-8627.

Create Your Own Work Party

Grab some friends or co-workers and spend a few hours at beautiful Topaz Farm on Sauvie Island. You’ll be helping us prepare the Grow Lunch Garden (a row planted, tended and harvested by visiting kids) for the next batch of visiting school children. Email Aliesje, Program Director.

Our Commitment

The Sauvie Island Center is committed to supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion among our staff, volunteers, and those we serve. People of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.