Allegheny Mountain Institute

We are currently seeking 2 Farm Assistants at the AMI Allegheny Farm in Highland County, VA. This is a unique opportunity to live and work on a thriving yet remote organic farm and education center in an abundant and life-nurturing temperate mountain ecosystem.

Farm Assistants support and are mentored by our core farm staff and organizational leaders, using sustainable production methods in all operational aspects.

This is a seasonal full-time position with compensation ranging from $18.00 - $20.00 an hour, depending on experience.

For a detailed job description and application, please visit our website at amifellows.org/join-our-team

Allegheny Mountain Institute (AMI) is seeking a full time farm assistant at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA to assist with day-to-day operations of a 1-acre vegetable farm to institution project. Located on the Augusta Health campus, the farm supplies over 30,000 pounds of fresh, organically grown produce to the hospital food system, clinical integration initiatives, and community outreach programs focused on food security for disease prevention and community wellness.

The Farm Assistant will support the Farm Manager in using sustainable production methods in all operational aspects of the farm.

Compensation will be in the range of $15.00 - $18.00 per hour, dependent on experience.

For a detailed job description and application please go to https://www.amifellows.org/join-our-team

What are the Fellows up to on the AMI Farm at Augusta Health? Check out a day in the life with Community Fellow and Farm assistant Lex in our latest blog post:

A Day in the Life at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health By Lex Kohler, Community Fellow What are the Fellows up to on the Augusta Health Farm? Check out a day in the life with Community Fellow and Farm Assistant, Lex! A big part of our job is harvesting, washing and packing vegetables for distribution to programs and participants. Swiss chard was a stapl...

Join local herbalist Marcia Laska for a day of herbalism!

Participants will:
- Learn to identify plants, native and introduced, that are found in our local area
- Explore key plants to use for general good health purposes
- Prepare a variety of herbal remedies
- Discuss medicinal herbs and plants to include in personal and community gardens

This workshop will be held on the Allegheny Mountain Institute's educational campus in Highland County, VA and attended by AMI Fellows.

Sign up now at amifellows.org/workshops

Hooray for harvest days!

We’re growing all kinds of tasty veggies at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health. Come visit our farm stand on Thursdays, 3-6pm to enjoy the bounty. And don’t forget to follow on Instagram for weekly farm stand availability lists.

Thanks to everyone who came out to our open house at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health last Saturday!

Didn’t get a chance to join us but still want to visit the farm? We’ve got two public farm tours coming up Thursday, June 29 at 5:15pm and Tuesday, July 11 at 10:30am. Sign up for free at amifellows.org/workshops

Get to know your soil and how to keep it happy and healthy at our upcoming workshop at the Allegheny Farm! Join Master Gardener Pamm McDowell of Philosophers’ Farm from 9am-noon.

Participants will:

- Learn the basics of soil texture, structure, and porosity
- Discover the nature of pH and its importance to nutrient uptake
- Read and analyze the results of a soil test
- Explore soil management strategies

This workshop will be held on the Allegheny Mountain Institute's educational campus in Highland County, VA and attended by AMI Fellows. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch to enjoy on the farm.

If you are able, we suggest a $20 donation to support educational programming.

Register now at amifellows.org/workshops

“[T]here is often nothing I can do, no amount of effort I can exert, to absolutely ensure the productive success of the garden. I’m used to being able to work so hard at something that there is no chance I will fail. Now, I have the variables of time, temperature, and the countless other biological and ecological mysteries of other-than-human lives and their interactions to contend with, making it impossible to ensure my control over the space.

And truly, when I ground myself in my aspirations toward connectedness with the natural world, control over the garden is not actually something that I desire at all. Rather, I seek a partnership, and that partnership can only be honed through trial and – this is the important part – error.”

– Emily Stehr, Community Fellow

Read more about what Emily is learning from managing the Bessie Weller Elementary School garden in our latest blog post:

On Time and Spaciousness By Emily Stehr, Community Fellow Last summer, I wrote a blog post about all the reasons I felt I didn’t have enough time to write a blog post—the many personal challenges that sprung up and demanded my attention. With so much racing around my brain and weighing on my heart, it felt impossible to...

We love our honeybees!

Each year our Farm Fellows learn all about these incredible insects that are critical to both our ecosystems and agricultural productivity. Farm Manager Adam recently led a full day beekeeping workshop and gave Fellows a look inside our happy hives.

We are so grateful for our generous community sponsors who make our work possible!

$2,500 Seed Sower: Aetna

$1,000 Rainmakers: The GIANT Company, The Hershey Company , Loudoun Mutual Insurance Co, McDonough Toyota , & Meadows Farms Nurseries and Landscape

$500 Harvesters: Atlantic Union Bank, Bormel, Grice, & Huyett, BotkinRose PLC - Harrisonburg Law Firm, DuPont Community Credit Union, Farfields Farm, Kris McMackin, CPA, Medical Center Women's Health, New Country Organics, Quish, & Tiger Solar

$250 Cultivators: Augusta Cooperative Farm Bureau, Bankers Insurance LLC, Crucible Coffee Roasters, Queen City Silviculture LLC, Summit Community Bank, Surratt Auto Center, Weaver Insurance & Financial Advisors, Modern Boy Woodshop

Thanks to all those that joined us last week for our container gardening workshop!

Farm Manager Hannah shared her expert tips then helped our budding gardeners get started with sunflower and tomato plants to take home. Join us tomorrow at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health to pot your own flower plant, go on a farm tour, and enjoy tasty farm-fresh snacks: https://www.amifellows.org/ami-farm-at-augusta-health-open-house

Come see us at the Highland Farmers Market!

Fridays, 3:30-6pm at the Highland Center Pavilion in Monterey. We’ve got delicious farm-fresh, Certified Naturally Grown veggies and herbs grown with love by our farmers and Fellows.

Tired of always getting sick? Learn how to fight infectious diseases like colds and flus with the power of healthy eating!

Join Dr. Allison Baroco and farmer Hannah Dorrel at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health in Fishersville for our next Physicians on the Farm walk & talk on Wednesday, June 14 at 5:30pm. Discover how to keep your immune system strong by consuming nutrient-dense veggies and ask medical and farming questions completely free of charge.

Register now at amifellows.org/workshops

“Though I was so excited to begin using the BCS, one round of training had me feeling discouraged and nervous; my arms wobbling like jell-o, I felt as though I would never quite get comfortable using this heavy machine in the field. How could I possibly make a good bed if I could not even till in a straight line in an open field filled with chickweed?

Through many frustrating attempts at tilling, I eventually began to understand how the BCS ran and maneuvered across the field. I started to feel confident in my ability to control the machine and had let go of the sense of “perfect” that I had been holding myself to: I was learning, it was completely alright to make a few mistakes. By the end of the week, I was able to create fairly decent beds and once again felt excited about getting to use the BCS in the future.”

– Tegan Moore, Farm Fellow

Read more about Tegan’s first three weeks of the Fellowship in our latest blog post:

https://www.amifellows.org/post/my-first-three-weeks-as-an-ami-farm-fellow

Our Open House at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health is right around the corner! Join us on Saturday, June 3rd, 11am - 2pm at 315 Mule Academy Rd. Fishersville, VA.

Tour the Farm: Learn about our Certified Naturally Grown practices and how we partner with Augusta Health to promote patient and community-wide health. Farm tours will take place at 11:30am, 12:30pm, and 1:30pm.

Dig In: Pot a plant to take home and explore the farm during our all-ages scavenger hunt.

Taste the Difference: Enjoy farm-fresh snacks, and purchase vegetables grown on the AMI Farm at Augusta Health.

Discover Allegheny Mountain Institute: Explore the ways we support schools, hospitals, and organizations to integrate farming, nutritious vegetables, and related education into food systems and outreach initiatives.

Our rain date is Saturday, June 10. Register today for event updates at amifellows.org/workshops

Whether large or small, our Highland County Farm Share bags are always filled with delicious, fresh produce that will keep you happy and healthy all summer long!

Sign up today to receive 19 weeks of veggies from the Allegheny Farm, available for pick up every Friday at the Highland Farmers’ Market, June 2 - October 6, 2023. Shares are available for purchase on a sliding scale.

Learn more and sign up on our website: amifellows.org/highland-food

Join us at the Allegheny Farm on Wednesday, June 14th for our Fermentation 101 workshop!

Explore the amazing world of fermentation, learn about the health benefits of eating live foods, and start your very own ferment with AMI Farmer Jules Loman.

This is a full-day, 9am-4pm workshop and will be attended by AMI Fellows. If you are able, we suggest a $35 donation to compensate the instructor.

Sign up now on our website: amifellows.org/workshops

They're here! Our 12th cohort of Fellows have officially begun our 2023 Farm Fellowship on the Allegheny Farm. This enthusiastic and inquisitive crew is already learning heaps about seed starting, transplanting, chicken care, and mushroom cultivation.

Learn more about Tegan, Ava, Cheyenne, and Fern on our website and get to know them at our Fellow Meet & Greet at the first Highland Farmers Market of the year: this Friday, May 26. 3:30-4:30pm at The Highland Center pavilion – ice cream provided!

Read our Farm Fellow bios: amifellows.org/current-fellows-alumni

It’s been so wonderful welcoming so many Augusta Health practitioners and staff to the AMI Farm this spring!

Team members from throughout the hospital have gotten the chance to learn about our Certified Naturally Grown practices, taste our delicious veggies, and discover how AMI and Augusta Health are working together to address food insecurity and diet-related illnesses.

Come check out the farm for yourself at our upcoming open house – Saturday, June 3rd, 11am - 2pm at 315 Mule Academy Rd. Fishersville, VA. We’ll also have tasty snacks and family-friendly activities. Learn more at amifellows.org/workshops

This Friday: come pick up tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, parsley, chives, and sage from the Allegheny Farm at the Highland Spring Plant Sale!

3:30-5:30pm at The Highland Center Pavillion. Also featuring flowers, hanging baskets, herbs, veggie starts, native plants, and more from other local farms.

Gardening season is here! Get started now by joining AMI Farm Manager Hannah Dorrel for a free container gardening class:

When: Wednesday, May 24, 5:30-6:30pm
Where: AMI Farm at Augusta Health, 315 Mule Academy Rd. Fishersville, VA

Learn how to get started with container and plant selection for this style of gardening that’s perfect for folks with limited space, time, or mobility.

Sign up today on our website: www.amifellows.org/workshops

Community Fellow Emily recently took second graders on a scavenger hunt through the Bessie Weller School Garden to discover what plants need. Students started with a string, a bead to represent each plant, and – as they found them – a bead for each of its needs: air, water, sun, soil, and care.

Students discussed that humans have very similar needs and ended with a reminder that we all need to care for each other as well as our plants!

It’s tomato transplanting time at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health!

Our toms have been growing tall and strong in the greenhouse for the past few months, but now they’re making the move to their permanent home in one of our caterpillar tunnels. Before we know it, they’ll be churning out hundreds of delicious, colorful fruit.

Last week, our first 2023 Food Farmacy cohort took a tour of the AMI Farm at Augusta Health to learn how our farmers are growing food that’s healthy for both people and the environment. Then, back in the Farm House Kitchen, the group learned all about veggie of the week, kohlrabi, and how to make tasty latke-style kohlrabi fritters thanks to our partners at Augusta Health Community Outreach.

We love sending this enthusiastic group home with AMI veggies each week and hearing about all the delicious and nutritious meals they create!

Community Fellow Donovan is helping to plant, propagate, and harvest all sorts of exciting plants at Project GROWS including peas, blackberries, and mizuna greens!

Mark your calendar!

We’re hosting an open house at the AMI Farm at Augusta Health on Saturday, June 3rd* from 11am - 2pm.

Go on a farm tour, taste farm-fresh snacks, learn more about AMI, and enjoy fun farm activities for all ages.

Register for free at amifellows.org/workshops to learn more and receive event updates. *Our rain date is Saturday, June 10.

Community Fellow Emily is getting things in good shape at the Bessie Weller School Garden this spring. She recently seeded beds with oats and peas as a cover crop – this will help build soil health by adding nutrients, breaking up soil, and protecting it from weeds and erosion.

Emily has also worked with students to plant a variety of veggies including purple cauliflower, spinach, and carrots. We’re so excited for the rainbow of foods that will come out of the Bessie Weller Garden this year!

Our first Physicians on the Farm session of 2023 is right around the corner!

Sign up today for a chance to learn from Cancer Physician Dr. Rob Kyler and AMI’s Farm Manager Hannah Dorrel about the connections between health and how eating sustainably grown, nutrient-dense produce can help to prevent cancer.

In this innovative program, an opening discussion will be followed by a walk around the AMI Farm at Augusta Health and a chance for participants to ask medical and farming questions.

When: Saturday, May 13, 10-11am
Where: 315 Mule Academy Rd. Fishersville, VA
Cost: Free!

Sign up now at amifellows.org/workshops

EDIT: Beekeeping has been moved to May 24 due to the snow!

Coming up: May Workshops in Highland County!

On Wednesday, May 10, join Allegheny Farm Manager Adam Fisher from 10am-2pm for Intro to Beekeeping. Come learn about the amazing world of the honey bee and how to maintain a healthy hive. You'll even have the chance to participate in a hive inspection and enjoy the wonder of honey bees in action.

On Tuesday, May 16, join Charlie Aller of Mush Luv for a Mushroom Foraging Hike from 1-5pm. Learn to identify and forage for mushrooms in the woods of AMI's Allegheny Farm.

Then, on Wednesday, May 17, join Charlie Aller again for an Edible Mushroom Cultivation workshop from 9am-4pm. Learn to think like a mushroom and get hands-on practice utilizing trees and other organic materials to grow edible and useful fungi. For an additional fee, take home your own mushroom log!

All three workshops will be held on AMI’s Allegheny Farm at 2599 Bear Mountain Rd. in Hightown and attended by AMI Fellows. Suggested donation is $20 for a half-day workshop, $35 for full day.

Register today at amifellows.org/workshops

We love the rain, but it doesn’t make for a great outdoor plant sale!

Day two of our native plant sale at Bessie Weller Elementary will now take place next Friday, May 5, 2-3:30pm.

We hope to see you there ~