CORPORATE, BUSINESS, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS

Looking for a meaningful way to engage your team while giving back to the community?
 Grow: Johnson County, a project of Iowa Valley RC&D, offers tailored, hands-on volunteer experiences for corporations, businesses, and community organizations. Whether you're aiming to strengthen team dynamics, meet corporate social responsibility goals, or simply enjoy a rewarding day outdoors, your group will play a direct role in supporting food justice and sustainable agriculture in Johnson County.

Volunteering as a group is an excellent way to demonstrate your company’s values while investing in the well-being of your local community.

Volunteer Schedule & Details

  • Group Size: 5–50 people

  • Season: May through late October

  • Available Days: Wednesdays and Fridays (alternate days can be discussed)

  • Time Commitment: 2–4 hours per group session

Scheduling Note: Groups of more than 5 must be scheduled at least one week in advance.

What Your Group Will Do

Corporate and group volunteers help with a wide range of essential farm tasks, such as:

  • Seed starting, transplanting, cultivating, and harvesting

  • Preparing produce for community distribution

  • Equipment cleaning and maintenance

  • Special Projects: Want to build something or help fund a piece of equipment? We often have small construction or improvement projects that could use your support!



Physical Needs & Considerations

Farm tasks are rewarding but may require physical activity. Please plan accordingly:

  • Bending, squatting, and lifting

  • Lifting up to 50 lbs

  • Working in dusty or muddy conditions—expect to get a little dirty!

We welcome volunteers of all abilities. If your group includes individuals with physical limitations, please let us know during the planning process. We’re happy to arrange tasks that fit everyone’s comfort level.

Donations & Sponsorships

Interested in supporting our work beyond volunteering?

We gratefully welcome financial contributions to help fund essential equipment, supplies, and the sponsorship of events and educational programs. Your support directly strengthens our mission and impact in the community. Learn more here.

Ready to Plan Your Group Volunteer Day?

Contact us to discuss your group’s availability, interests, and goals. We’ll work with you to create a custom experience that’s both impactful and enjoyable!
Group Volunteer Contact:  Emmaly Renshaw, Senior Program Director of Farmer Development, emmaly@ivrcd.org

Volunteering FAQs

  • We welcome ages six and up to volunteer at Grow. However, all minors must be accompanied and work alongside an adult guardian. We also ask that you email us ahead of time to ensure we have kid-friendly tasks your child can complete on the day you would like to volunteer, as some of our tasks aren’t suitable for young kids.

    Keep in mind that we are a working farm, but our staff love to see young people learn about all the food we grow while they help us tend to and harvest veggies.

    For larger groups, we recommend signing up for our Can You Dig It program!

  • Our parking area is located just north of the silo and is a grass lot. This area has structural panels below the grass to allow for parking in the event of rain.

  • What Should I Wear?

    • Closed-toe shoes are required.

    • Dress for the weather—we work rain or shine! Layers are recommended, especially in early or late season.

    • Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

    • No jewelry, and long hair should be tied back (for safety near tools and machinery).

    • You may be in fields, greenhouses, or other variable environments—plan for sun, wind, or mud!

    • Fields may have thistles—durable gloves are helpful, but we also have gloves available.

    What Should I Bring?

    • Reusable water bottle (plastic or metal).

      • We have water fountains for refills.

      • Glass bottles are only allowed in the break room, due to food safety standards.

    • Sunscreen—most work is outdoors and in full sun.

    • • No tools needed. We provide all necessary equipment.

  • On your first day, you will meet with one of our farm staff. They will give you a site tour and a short food safety and field training.  You’ll then join the crew in the field  or washing produce in the Cultivation Station.

  • We welcome all levels of commitment, but consistent volunteering is especially valuable to our team. Regular volunteers help us maintain efficiency and reduce the time spent on retraining—an important consideration, as time is one of our most limited resources during the growing season.

    While we understand that not everyone can volunteer weekly, we encourage volunteers to commit to at least one shift per month if possible. That said, if you're only able to join us once or twice during the season, your time and effort are still greatly appreciated! Every contribution helps us grow.

  • The Grow Farm pauses operations on the following holidays during the growing season: Memorial Day, Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day, and Veterans Day (weather permitting in November). If a scheduled volunteer day (Monday, Wednesday, or Friday) falls on one of these holidays, volunteer hours will be canceled for that day.

    Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Friday.


    Weekend volunteering is not typically offered, unless connected to a special event. Our farm team works long hours during the week, and Iowa Valley RC&D is committed to ensuring staff have dedicated personal time on weekends.

    If the standard weekday morning schedule doesn’t work for you, please reach out! We’re happy to explore alternative options that meet your availability.

    Contact us at grow@ivrcd.org