Volunteering at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary

I can't remember how or when I found Woodstock Farm Sanctuary, but when I found out that they were always looking for volunteers I was quick to sign up (and sign my husband up too, without really telling him what would be involved...whoops!).

Naturally about 957 questions ran through my head from... “Uh, what exactly did I just sign us up for?” to “Am I going to have to shovel cow poop all day?” and “Will this finally turn my meat-eating man into a vegan?” (He's still not 100% vegan yet, but most of his meals are plant-based these days!! Progress!)

Volunteering at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary is such an incredible experience. I swear my heart doubles in size each time visit...and each time we leave we talk about buying land and having our own (vegan, cruelty-free) farm someday. I never knew how much I loved goats until I spent some time here, and now I'd love to rescue some myself and give them a happy home on my imaginary farm.

Below are some of the questions I had before volunteering...and answers, too.

⤑ What To Know Before You Go ⬸

Where is it?

High Falls, New York...about 20 minutes from New Paltz.

What will I be doing?

You won't find out exactly what you're doing until you arrive, but you'll be doing a variety of tasks around the property—which will likely involve some manual labor.

In the times I've visited I've found that working in the goat barn seems to be a pretty common volunteer activity. You're clearing out bedding that goats // sheep share and replacing it with fresh, new bedding (watching them roll around in their clean new space is a serious highlight...watching them poop on what just took you 45 minutes to clean? eh, not quite as much of a highlight). This work is definitely a good workout—and you'll really want those work gloves here! Also, the goat barn is indoor (but open air), so you won't have to worry about cooking in the sun.

inside the goat barn

What should I wear // What should I bring?

Prepare to work up a sweat!

Depending on the season, you'll probably do best with layering...it's good to have the option of removing clothes as the day progresses // as you get hotter. Gym clothes or hiking clothes are a good choice, and any moisture wicking material will definitely be your buddy. Stick to clothes that are breathable, durable, and easy to move in.

You won't know exactly what you're tasked with until you get there, but I'd recommend not wearing a brand new shirt, or anything that you don't want to have get quite dirty and, likely, smelly.

Shoes:

- Work boots, hiking boots, or rain boots

It depends on your task, but you can almost guarantee you'll encounter mud somewhere...and poop, too. Don't wear new shoes. Wear something worn in, comfortable, and easy to clean // hose down afterwards. Something that's higher on the ankle than a regular sneaker is a good choice, too, to avoid getting dirt // hay // other unmentionables in your shoes.

Clothes:

- Tank top

- Tee shirt

- Long sleeve shirt

- Jeans or Jean shorts

- Convertible hiking pants (pants that zip off to shorts)

+ a clean change of clothes to head home in

Accessories // Misc.:

- Work gloves

- Face mask — some tasks might kick up dust, dirt, bits of hay so it's nice to have (personally, I 

                         never wear one...they make me way too hot)

- Bandana — for wipin' the sweat away...also a solid alternative to a face mask, and a good cover if 

                      the back of your neck starts to burn from being out in the sun

- Sunglasses

- Reusable water bottle (there's a water cooler in the volunteer center for refills)

- Hat

- Sunscreen — there's a good chance you'll be outside, likely in a field where shade is minimal. If 

                         you're not covered by your clothes sunscreen is definitely going to be a necessity

Do I need to be a vegan to volunteer?

This was a big question for me. Though I'm a vegan, my husband isn't...and I was a little nervous they'd be able to sniff him out or that he would be shunned for being a carnivore. Neither happened.

You definitely do not have to be vegan to volunteer here, but it would help to be open minded if you aren't one. You'll likely be surrounded by vegans and vegetarians, and you're also surrounded by animals who have been rescued from slaughter houses and dairy farms. What you learn, and who you meet, might have you coming over to the plant-based side.

What kind of animals will I see // Will I get to interact with them?

You'll get to meet so many animals...from chickens, to ducks, turkeys, pigs, cows, goats, sheep, and a llama, too! You'll probably also get to meet Lyle—he's Todd's (the volunteer coordinator) new rescue pup, and he's absolutely adorable and sweet as can be.

If you're working in the goat barn you'll definitely be interacting with goats and sheep. They'll roam in and out of the barn as you're working. Stevie the goat really likes to be in on the action, and he loves a good scratch, too.

(that's stevie!)

beware! some goats like hair!

At the end of your volunteer day you'll also get to walk around and meet the other animals with a member of the staff (usually Todd). Don't pass up a chance to say hi to the pigs! It's totally worth getting a little muddy!

there's lyle!

shout out to karmavore apparel for this rad shirt

What's for lunch?

You can head to the mini-store on-site—it's mostly got gear and clothes for visitors, but there are a few snacks there, too (including some ridiculously good vegan jerky). Bonus: Volunteers get a discount!

Your best bet is to BYOVL (bring your own VEGAN lunch) if you're looking for more than a light bite...and after working all day, you'll probably want something substantial.

** Important Note **

The staff requests that all volunteers bring only vegan meals onto the property out of respect for the animals.

How long is the volunteer day?

They ask that volunteers spend at least 3 hours at the farm (the day starts at 10:30am with a short and sweet “orientation”), breaking for lunch whenever the mood strikes. Volunteers are free to head out as soon as 3 hours are up...or stick around, walk around the farm, do a little shopping, and meet as many animals and staff members as you can. I prefer the latter option...I seriously can never get enough time with those goats and piggies!

Anything else?

Aside from meeting animals with amazing (often heartbreaking) rescue stories, you'll meet some seriously rad people—from staff to fellow volunteers.

Also, watch out for Clyde the chicken...he'll chase ya.

If you need to fuel up again on the way home, New Paltz has so many restaurants to choose from. Karma Road is a favorite of mine and offers a ton of vegan and gluten-free options. There's also a ton of great little shops and boutiques in New Paltz if you're looking to hang out for a while. 

So, are you ready to volunteer? I promise you'll have an amazing time! Sign up here. 

PS: Have another question that I didn't answer here? Feel free to reach out, or leave a comment below!