Gong Garden CSA, Fredonia, NY

Location: Fredonia, NY, United States

Languages spoken: English and Khmer. We are located on two hilly acres outside of Fredonia, NY. We share the land with one couple, a high school teacher, and our farm intern. Besides our gardens, the land contains 2 ponds, grape vines, a labyrinth, perennial gardens, and our neighbors' gardens.
We are in our third year of CSA-style farming. Gong Garden is committed to raising great-tasting, safe-to-eat produce using organic methods; this includes asparagus, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, garlic, greens, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, melons, onions, peas, peppers, pok choi, radishes, scallions, spinach, summer and winter squash, tomatoes, tatsoi, various herbs, etc! We grow for 32 shares, and would like to expand to 80.
Volunteers needed from May thru October. We have plenty of tent and hammock space, and a small trailer for one starting in 2010. We'll take volunteers for anywhere from one day to the whole season, but recommend staying at least a week. Volunteers work 4-5 hours a day, 4-5 days a week in exchange for meals. Farm activities include planting, weeding, harvesting, member distribution, other projects. Canning and preserving are done in the fall. We also harvest maple syrup, and honey from our bee hive. Volunteers are welcome to assist with building and land maintenance activities that interest them. During the 2009 season we will be building a substantial addition onto our home (which we built ourselves), and welcome help.
volunteers have the opportunity to learn about the alternative building and energy features on our land. The couple sharing the land built their home, and it's powered largely by solar panels. Our intern and other neighor both live in yurts that we built. Homes utilize wood-burning stoves and well water. Gravity pulls water from our pond to our gardens through hoses. Volunteers are welcome to use our wood-heated sauna, outdoor pizza oven, and explore the labyrinth.
Fredonia is home to Fredonia State College, which offers speakers and activities. A number of music festivals happen in the area, including the Great Blue Heron Music Festival. Arkwright Falls, great for hiking, is just a few miles down the road. Fredonia is also right in the heart of grape country; wine afficionados will find plenty to taste in the region. Catch a contradance once a month in town. We are part of a network of folks who also enjoy do their own growing and building, and you'll likely be welcome to check out their projects.
Meat and dairy are eaten; Pete is mostly vegan and we can easily accommodate vegetarian and vegan eaters. Dog and child friendly. Fredonia is accessible by Greyhound bus, and the Buffalo and Erie PA airports are both one hour away. We may be able to arrange a pickup from the airport if we have sufficient notice. A few weeks notice for all volunteers would be great.