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Nonprofit
Food Forest Prep: Sunday, April 12th, 2026 10AM-1PM Mid Shooks Run Community Garden
Details
Description
Volunteers are invited to help build the infrastructure that will support the food forest at the Mid Shooks Run Community Garden.
A food forest is a perennial growing system designed to produce fruits, berries, and other edible plants while supporting pollinators and soil health. This season, we’re expanding the garden to include a food forest area, and we need volunteers to help prepare the growing beds that will support it.
During this work session, volunteers will help prepare and build out the planting areas where fruit trees, berry bushes, and companion plants will eventually grow. This foundational work is essential to creating a productive, resilient space that will provide fresh food and educational opportunities for years to come.
No experience is necessary. Garden leaders will demonstrate tasks and help volunteers get set up with a team.
On Sunday, April 12th, volunteers will prep the garden footprint for plantings in the coming weeks.
This event is one of two volunteer opportunities to help with this project. If this date doesn’t work for you, you are welcome to join us at any of the other work days taking place over the next two weekends.
Responsibilities
Volunteers will work alongside garden leaders and community members on tasks such as:
- Measuring and marking new planting areas
- Removing sod or weeds where beds will be established
- Shaping and preparing food forest beds
- Moving soil, compost, or mulch
- Installing edging or basic infrastructure for planting areas
- General site cleanup and organization
Tasks will vary depending on weather and project progress, and there will be opportunities for different activity levels.
Qualifications
We welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Ideal volunteers will:
- Be comfortable working outdoors for a few hours
- Be willing to do light to moderate physical activity (digging, shoveling, hauling materials)
- Be able to follow basic safety instructions and work collaboratively with others
- Have a positive attitude and willingness to pitch in where needed
What to Bring
If possible, please bring:
- Work gloves
- Closed-toe shoes or boots
- A hat, sunscreen, and water bottle
If possible, please bring helpful tools if you have them:
- Shovels
- Rakes
- Wheelbarrows
- Digging forks
Tools are helpful but not required. You can still participate if you don’t have any.
Why Volunteer?
This is a great opportunity to:
- Help launch a new food forest in the neighborhood
- Support local food production and food security
- Learn about perennial food-growing systems
- Meet neighbors and fellow volunteers
- Spend a few hours outdoors making a visible impact
Mid Shooks Run Community Garden is a volunteer-led space dedicated to growing fresh food, building community, and promoting sustainable gardening in Colorado Springs. We’d love to have you join us on the following work days:
(Links to register for each event are available above.)🌱
Location
Mid Shooks Run Community Garden
Directions
Can't miss it:
Across the Street from the Sustainacenter.
At the northwest corner of East Boulder and North El Paso Street.
Right off of Shooks Run Trail
How to Volunteer for This Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in helping at Mid Shooks Run Community Garden!
Please register for this event through the garden’s website so we know to expect you and can plan materials and teams accordingly.
When you arrive at the garden, please look for Amanda, who will get you signed in and connected with a team. She’ll provide a quick orientation and make sure you have what you need to get started.
Before you come:
- Wear closed-toed shoes and clothing suitable for outdoor work.
- Bring work gloves, a hat, and a water bottle.
- If you have them, feel free to bring helpful tools such as shovels, rakes, digging forks, and wheelbarrows (tools are helpful but not required).
When you arrive:
- Check in with Amanda.
- Sign the volunteer sheet.
- Get assigned to a small team.
No prior experience is required! We’ll show you everything you need to know.
Thank you for helping us prepare the garden for the upcoming growing season. You make a real difference in our community! 🌱
