“We envision a world where people live regeneratively and cooperatively in local communities that are diverse, equitable, and just.”
This winter quarter 2021, I have had the exciting opportunity to co-op at Agraria, a regenerative farm located in Yellow Springs that is part of the Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions. In just a few weeks of working here, I have gone out of my comfort zone in many ways which has been nerve-racking, but ultimately an opportunity to grow.
One of the main assignments I am working on is building a website for the Yellow Springs Wildlife Habitat Community. This is a group dedicated to the village-wide wildlife habitat certification through the National Wildlife Federation. I have no background in website building, so this project seemed a bit overwhelming, but it has been fun and I have been learning a lot. I am the main person working on the website for now but I have help from others in the group and at Agraria. We are hoping to get a good bit done by the end of my co-op before passing it on to someone else.
I am also helping with a few hands on projects at Agraria. I went on a manure run to the Riding Center, and I also helped get a start building the new hoophouse. I have never done outdoor, hands on labor, so this was an interesting experience for me. I was nervous to do the wrong thing, or be in the way, but the people I work with are very supportive and helpful. Ultimately working outside was an opportunity to grow and learn more about the work they do. The weather is a big factor in the work that I do. If the weather isn’t too cold, I am on site, but if it is too muddy or cold, I am inside working on the website or any other indoor projects they might need a hand with.
While working, I tested positive for COVID-19 and had to be quarantined. This affected my work greatly, and I stayed home for two weeks developing the website further. luckily, I have support at Agraria and they were flexible with me. The work Agraria does is extremely important to me. They are working hard to bring the community together with sustainable farming practice and education on growing food. The work I am doing is very new to me, but I am excited to grow and learn from my experience here.
Photo Credit: Arthur Morgan Institute for Community Solutions Facebook page
