Orchard Garden & Herb Garden Intern

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens•Muncie, IN

5h•Onsite

About The Position

As an Orchard Garden & Herb Garden Intern, your main role is to contribute to the maintenance and interpretation of the Orchard Garden and Herb Garden at Minnetrista. These gardens serve as living demonstrations for techniques on cultivating fruits, vegetables, and herbs in urban or small settings. You will engage in expanding your knowledge of food production, plant care, and interpretation by actively participating in garden activities and educating visitors. You will assume a crucial role in garden development by undertaking an independent project aligned with your learning interests and site needs. Potential project areas include implementing planting designs, creating garden structures, community outreach efforts, and developing site management plans. You will collaborate with horticultural resources, landscape equipment, mentors, and peers to bring your project to fruition. Additionally, you will assist in leading and coordinating community outreach events.

Requirements

Ability to work outside in varying weather conditions
Ability to work independently
An interest in horticulture and gardening
Must be reliable
Work well with both staff and volunteers

Nice To Haves

Experience in agriculture, food production, and community outreach

Responsibilities

Perform maintenance including watering, weeding, planting, harvesting, and distributing produce
Complete an independent project that enhances the positive impact of the garden
Lead volunteers and community members
Adhere to all safety policies and procedures
Give a presentation at the conclusion of the internship
Research, produce, and present your project at the completion of the internship
Implement strategies for maintaining and enhancing soil health in the Orchard Garden and Herb Garden, including composting, soil testing, and nutrient management
Utilize organic IPM strategies to control pests and diseases in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner
Plan and execute crop rotation schedules to optimize soil fertility and minimize disease risk in the Orchard and Herb Gardens
Engage in the propagation of plants and contribute to seed-saving initiatives to ensure the sustainability of the garden's plant varieties
Contribute to the enhancement of garden design by suggesting improvements, selecting appropriate plant varieties, and implementing aesthetic enhancements
Develop and conduct interactive demonstrations for visitors, showcasing practical techniques related to fruit, vegetable, and herb cultivation in urban or small settings
Maintain detailed records of garden activities, including planting schedules, harvest yields, and volunteer hours, for future analysis and planning, including the individual project and internship
Actively participate in Farmers Market activities on scheduled Saturdays, engaging with the community and promoting the Orchard and Herb Gardens