Over the summer, Burley Farms in Epping buzzed. And not just because the pollinator gardens were in bloom, attracting enough bumblebees to fill a yacht. In addition to the usual hullabaloo that goes down at SELT’s HQ—the hikers and bikers, the kiddos playing at Burley’s Backyard, the birds of prey circling the airspace—the summer was also characterized by another stalwart sight: three guys diligently working in the burgeoning educational garden.

Meet James, Joseph, and Nathan, local volunteer superstars who have fashioned a giving-back résumé the length of a flagpole. The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Pope Memorial Humane Society—the list goes on.

The trio are clients of Work Opportunities Unlimited, a regional organization with a local office in Dover that finds employment and volunteer activities for people with disabilities. Following a conversation with Zoe Graves, SELT's Outreach and Education Director, SELT became the latest addition to James, Joseph, and Nathan’s laundry list of experiences—and the partnership could not have been more of a home run.

“We were contacted by Work Opportunities about potential volunteer opportunities,” Zoe says. “This was exciting for us, as a guiding principle for our outreach efforts is to bring as many people as possible into our mission. We believe nature is for everyone, and partnering with Work Opportunities puts that into action. Not to mention they are incredible volunteers, so it’s been a complete win-win.”

Joseph, James, and Nathan were on board, and SELT had the perfect destination for their time and talents: the farm on the Burley campus, the brand-new venue for hands-on agricultural experiences for children participating in ATLAS, SELT’s nature-based education program. Three guys itching for some good old-fashioned outdoor work? Getting to use some cool, new-fangled power tools? Jackpot.

“Community-based volunteerism fosters a sense of belonging and social connection,” says Mary Leddy, Chairman of the Board for Work Opportunities Unlimited. “It's essential to recognize that everyone has unique skills and abilities that can be valuable.”

 

 

And it doesn’t get more valuable than James, Joseph, and Nathan’s work output. Over the summer, working closely with other SELT volunteers, they reeled off these big-time projects:

• Painted the “Ed Shed,” SELT’s recently constructed storage shed for all things ATLAS
• Built the three-bin compost system
• Constructed sensory beds (gardens that engage all the senses)
• Installed classroom shade and hammock posts
• Harvested, watered, weed-whacked, and mowed
• Spread wood chips
• Helped build the handicapped-accessible beds
• Filled raised beds with dirt and compost

Let's take a moment to hear from the guys themselves about why they enjoy working with SELT:

James: “I like the view. I like the trails, and I like meeting some new people.”

Joseph: “I like doing weeding because I can work with my hands. I've always wanted to help with nature stuff.”

Nathan: “I like to help the community because they need extra hands and support, and I love to help people. I like to explore the outdoors and want others to be able to do the same.”

All told, they logged 156 hours and played a significant role in transforming the educational garden from an in-process concept to a fully farmed and operational agricultural station.

A win for SELT, a win for ATLAS students, a win for the environment—and a win for James, Joseph, and Nathan, the dream team. ■