Internship at Grow Benzie, a community farmstead in NW Michigan

2012 Internship/apprenticeship  Opportunity at Grow Benzie

Contact:  Deb Query   231 882 9801

              Email:  dqmobility@gmail.com    www.growbenzie.org

General Description:

Grow Benzie is a 3.7 acre farmstead in Benzie County, just over the hill from beautiful Crystal Lake and near the new public boat launch, at 5885 M115 in Benzonia, (between Benzonia and Frankfort), and about 5 miles from Lake Michigan.   Benzie County serves as the Gateway to Sleeping Bear National Park, which was designated by ABC in a poll in 2011 as the most beautiful spot in America, with which we happen to agree!  Grow Benzie serves as a center for the community, drawing together people interested in bettering the lives of Benzie County residents through education in agriculture, nutrition, job and life skills.

We have 25 community garden plots, with 4 dedicated to the local food banks.  Two industrial sized greenhouses have been renovated and we have room to expand more gardens.  We host our own Farmer’s Market on Mondays, and attend others as well.  We use organic farming methods and are very involved in supporting our local farmers, and the local food movement.  We host a major fund raising event in August and always need new ideas and help.

Preferred Internship Start Date:  April 1        

Internship ending date:  Negotiable, preferably late October   

Application Deadline:  May 1       

Skills Desired:  Passion for farming with desire to gain small-scale organic farming knowledge and experience. Need to enjoy people, as helping with the Farmer’s Market and with children and adults who come to the gardens and greenhouses will be some of the duties.  Greenhouse/garden tasks will involve making and planting soil blocks, maintaining compost piles, watering, attending flower/herb beds, greenhouse planting, transplanting soil blocks, and harvesting.

This is an opportunity to gain full-scale experience with an organization still in its infancy, much like a beginning farmer.  We are hoping to expand our Farmer’s Market to reach more people in the community, promote local food production, try new and different approaches and encourage much more nutritional, healthy choice diets.  Opportunities will be provided to visit several local farms in the area, and meet with local chefs who purchase our produce.

Housing:    We can provide lodging in the house on our site, with your own private bathroom and bedroom, internet/wifi, phone, adequate kitchen facilities, and beautiful grounds to enjoy.  The house serves as our office but a private bedroom is available along with a lovely livingroom setting and deck.  An idyllic location.

Compensation:  To be discussed, based on experience, availability, etc.