How to support Pennsylvania’s rural communities through volunteering

Throughout Pennsylvania, organizations are working to preserve the rural way of life. Here are five to consider volunteering with.

Forty-eight out of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties are considered rural. So while many think of major cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh when they hear of the commonwealth, the rural communities are just as important to the state as the urban areas.

Organizations in these areas are working hard to preserve and promote a rural way of life, from conserving forest lands to assisting farmers with all their agricultural needs. 

These organizations rely on the help of others, and are a great place to volunteer your time.

Here are five organizations located across the state dedicated to preserving the rural way of life.

Rodale Institute

Rodale Institute is a nonprofit organization in Berks County that supports research into organic farming as well as providing farmer training and consumer education. Year-round volunteers to help with the farm’s many projects are always welcome. 

The Seed Farm

Situated on 42 acres of preserved farmland in Lehigh County, the Seed Farm provides new farmers access to land, equipment, infrastructure, and technical assistance to launch their agricultural ventures through its Farm Business Incubator program. The Seed Farm also hosts educational programs that cover essential skills for farming success, including production planning, food safety, hands-on training in equipment operation, and more.

Penn State Extension Master Gardener Program

The Master Gardener Program is an organization of volunteers who support Penn State’s educational programs in consumer horticulture. Volunteers are needed to educate, inspire, and encourage the home gardener through a variety of classes, workshops, projects, and activities.  Volunteers also staff the “Hortline” which is a free service to assist county residents with household, garden, and lawn issues.

Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education

The Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education in York fosters ecological learning through land stewardship, community partnership, and hands-on experiences. The center aims to create community resilience through education and regenerative practices on the land.

Volunteers are key to the center’s mission. They serve as stewards of the land by providing front-line visitor services or completing behind-the-scenes projects.

Foundation for Sustainable Forests

As a nonprofit land trust, the Foundation for Sustainable Forests protects and stewards over 2,600 acres of working woodlands through direct ownership or a conservation easement with a forest management component. The organization protects forested ecosystems, supports rural communities through working forests, raises awareness of the importance of conserving intact forested ecosystems, and highlights sustainable forestry practices for the benefit of the land.