volunteer, the first step is to be aware of the "political" environment. The municipality which fertilizes the park does so according to a very structured routine. You may not agree with what they do but it will not be easy to change. It is likely that they use products which will not fit into an organic program. Then there is usually some sort of "Advisory" body - a group of citizens who share a concern for the park, environment, or similar platform. Egos and emotions can rule the roost here. Then there might be local regulations which will impact your proposals; check carefully. I write all this because if the transition from one system to the other is not handled well, the benefits which you are trying to achieve (and all of us should) can be jeopardized. You wish to adopt an organic approach and I would suggest that a good start is to critically evaluate present practices. Take mowing as an example. What type of turf and what is its purpose? This will determine the height of cut. From these the frequency (10? 7? or 3 days?). (The 1/3 concept). Are the mulching attachments in place and functioning correctly? The grass clippings have to be of the right size for effective mulching. Changing the direction of mowing and cross-mowing will improve the turf. Blade sharpening and balancing, efficiency and rpm of the mower engine are related indirectly to the organic approach. I am sure that there are other considerations of relevance and importance to mowing alone; much more when you go on to consider fertilization, weed and pest control and irrigation practices. You are embarking for a very noble and desirable cruise. Sometimes you will have to rock the boat. Please do not sink the ship.

Well, I spent the day pruning and tying grape vines onto a restored grape arbor. The house is called Graehm Park, and I think the earliest parts date to 1721. The farm compound itself was pristine and unchanged, but if you walked up the hill a bit you could see the huge gray tails of parked military aircraft looming above the trees. An piquant juxtaposition of ancient and modern. One thing I learned... working in someone else's garden is just plain WORK.

And why wouldn't it be like a "job"? Being a volunteer is a commitment. You can't just wander in when you feel like it. The organization needs to know they can depend upon you to be where and when you are needed. They have specific things they need help with, and those things don't wait for you to drop in when you have a moment. I did volunteer work for the Make a Wish foundation. I wanted to help organize the souvenir program for a charity tennis match. Following up on the artwork, interfacing with the advertisers, proofing the galley, following up on the final product. I asked when I could assist with the wish fulfillment program and I was told I needed to earn it. I understood they needed to be able to rely on me, and I had to prove myself. Sleeping in, taking long lunches, going shopping, leaving early, not showing up - those things aren't acceptable just because you're working for free. The fact that you say you wouldn't do this, doesn't mean someone else would. While working through this challenge I witnessed several "flakes" come and go, drifting in when they felt like it, seeing this as just a hobby to stop by when they chose - and not a commitment, a "job". No wonder organizations feel the need to ask for assurance that their volunteers will be reliable and committed. Most organizations are underfunded, and volunteers are a gift. But just because you're giving your time for free instead of getting a paycheck doesn't mean drop in when you feel like it.

The Middlesex Conservation District, a not for profit environmental organization, is now accepting orders for its annual Fall Bulb and Perennial Sale, to be held on 9/18 (3-6pm) and 9/19 (8am - noon) at its new location at Verrill Farm, 11 Wheeler Rd, Concord, MA. All proceeds from the sale benefit the District's environmental programs, concentrating on protection of soils and waters in Middlesex County. All items may be ordered in advance for best selection, through 8/31; items for sale include tulips, daffodils, specialty bulbs and perennials. (Customers are welcome to come and shop without placing an order, but we do sell out of some items so ordering ahead of time is encouraged). To place an order online please visit www.middlesexconservation.org, or email middlesexconservation@yahoo.com to receive a printed copy of our catalog. Don't forget to stop at the farm stand and check out Verrill Farm's great selection of produce, bakery and gourmet items when you pick up your order!