Earth Matter depends on volunteers for accomplishing many of our day to day chores and is lucky to have multi talented members who lend a hand in sharing their skills and expertise.
Alexis Negron, who has been apprenticing and volunteering since February 2013, does more than her fair share. In addition to collecting compost data, helping to develop the worm nursery and worm bank, learning how to compost and helping with chicken care duties, Alexis has been active this season with working with us to design our latest promotional item our “getting to zero” graphic, and collaborating with farm apprentice Prita Lal in designing the the Newa demo farm layout.
In addition to designing and researching plants, Alexis has been a major thrust in realizing our compost demonstration training garden. Volunteering is not a one-way street. Helpers often get as much as they give. Alexis says, “I love working on the demo farm. It’s hard work, but meditative and rewarding. It’s interesting to be a part of every stage in a plants life. I sowed seeds for the first time in my life and just transplanted them into my garden. Hopefully I’ll be buying a lot less vegetables, because I can now raise my own. ”
Volunteers learn surprising things and the experience influences their daily life, “I’ve integrated growing and composting into my personal life. I have a thriving worm bin and a successful bokashi bin.” And what does Alexis say about the animals? “ I never knew that chickens could be so affectionate and calming. The cartoons I watched as a kid always depicted chickens as high strung and frenetic.”
Escaping from a hectic life to spend time in fresh air and nature has many benefits. Alexis has contributed her super services in numerous ways. Thanks Alexis!