Membership:
Membership to HYS is open to anyone who would like to assist in the project in a more significant way than occasional volunteering. Membership costs 10$ a year, which directly supports our budget. You don't have to be a member to volunteer.
Meetings:
HYS holds twice-monthly open meetings in Northampton, on the 2nd and 4th Thurs. from 7-8:30p at the Owl & Raven Community Space in the Maplewood shops, Conz. st. Volunteers, members and the public are welcome to attend meetings which range from group procedure, site design, regional organization, and presentations on gardening topics.
Maintenance Responsibilities:
Volunteers are asked to commit to maintain one or more planting areas on a regular basis for a whole growing season (last to first frost). Some areas are maintained by more than one volunteer. We'll put up a 'maintained by' thank you sign, or you can remain anonymous. If you are unable to continue your relationship with a planting area, or want to change or take on additional areas, please let us know so we can find a replacement.
• Weeding: While there is nothing evil or bad about these plant species, removing them improves public mental accessibility of the gardens. Pull up and shake dirt off roots of ragweed, grasses, wild lettuce, dandelion, thumbprint knotweed, wood sorrel, wild mustard, garlic mustard, etc. For more info see the Volunteer Weeding Guide. Plants without seeds or fruit can be mulched on site, those with should be dumped away from the plantings.
• Watering: For annual vegetables, watering is more important, especially in high-profile raised beds. If anyone looks droopy during heat spells, give them a good soak.Watering jugs and access to bike carts are available depending on location. Please report plants with yellow, dry or dead leaves for 1st aid.
• Mowing: Certain planting areas are mowed by the town, others are mown by HYS!. If your area needs mowing, we ask that you mow once every week or two depending on weather, unless otherwise specified. Access to weed whackers or mowers possibly available.
• Raise awareness & excitement: Feel free to bring a friend along or invitepassers by to lend a hand! Carry information flyers to hand out while working to interested folks. If veggies or fruits ripen, let us know so we can advertise, and tell others! If available, please put up 'Ripe Now!' signs. Put up all outreach flyers in volunteer packet in public places.
Membership to HYS is open to anyone who would like to assist in the project in a more significant way than occasional volunteering. Membership costs 10$ a year, which directly supports our budget. You don't have to be a member to volunteer.
Meetings:
HYS holds twice-monthly open meetings in Northampton, on the 2nd and 4th Thurs. from 7-8:30p at the Owl & Raven Community Space in the Maplewood shops, Conz. st. Volunteers, members and the public are welcome to attend meetings which range from group procedure, site design, regional organization, and presentations on gardening topics.
Maintenance Responsibilities:
Volunteers are asked to commit to maintain one or more planting areas on a regular basis for a whole growing season (last to first frost). Some areas are maintained by more than one volunteer. We'll put up a 'maintained by' thank you sign, or you can remain anonymous. If you are unable to continue your relationship with a planting area, or want to change or take on additional areas, please let us know so we can find a replacement.
• Weeding: While there is nothing evil or bad about these plant species, removing them improves public mental accessibility of the gardens. Pull up and shake dirt off roots of ragweed, grasses, wild lettuce, dandelion, thumbprint knotweed, wood sorrel, wild mustard, garlic mustard, etc. For more info see the Volunteer Weeding Guide. Plants without seeds or fruit can be mulched on site, those with should be dumped away from the plantings.
• Watering: For annual vegetables, watering is more important, especially in high-profile raised beds. If anyone looks droopy during heat spells, give them a good soak.Watering jugs and access to bike carts are available depending on location. Please report plants with yellow, dry or dead leaves for 1st aid.
• Mowing: Certain planting areas are mowed by the town, others are mown by HYS!. If your area needs mowing, we ask that you mow once every week or two depending on weather, unless otherwise specified. Access to weed whackers or mowers possibly available.
• Raise awareness & excitement: Feel free to bring a friend along or invitepassers by to lend a hand! Carry information flyers to hand out while working to interested folks. If veggies or fruits ripen, let us know so we can advertise, and tell others! If available, please put up 'Ripe Now!' signs. Put up all outreach flyers in volunteer packet in public places.