Calypso Farm and Ecology Center

Duration: 50 hrs / week during May and July

Location: Ester,  Alaska

Position Title:  Calypso Farm Apprentice Internship

Housing: Housing will be provided. This will most likely be tent camping – the intern would need to bring a tent.  We have several very nice, protected spots.  The weather in May and June is typically very mild and warm – 60’s – 80’s.  But it's Alaska so, the intern should be ready for anything. 
There is also a chance that a cabin about 3 miles down the road from the site will be available, and in this case the intern would need to have a bike for transportation to and from the farm everyday. 

For more information: Calypso Farm & Ecology Center

Description:
The Calypso Farm Apprentice Intern involved in all aspects of farm production and marketing, including:

• Seed starting and greenhouse management
• Spring field and soil preparation
• Seeding and transplanting
• Mapping and record keeping
• Drip Irrigation set-up, operation and maintenance
• Harvesting and post harvest care of produce
• Cultivation 
• CSA planning and distribution
• CSA Farm Note writing
• Restaurant marketing and deliveries
• Building compost piles
• Assisting with other Calypso duties as needed (events, educational programs, etc.)

Research and Education: Although you will be working along side experienced farmers in the field, we will also provide you with as much reading and discussion of sustainable agriculture practices and issues as you are interested in. Calypso has an extensive library and is always willing to acquire more materials if needed.

Qualifications:
A strong interest in small-scale sustainable organic farming; ability to participate in physical labor

Funding:
Available through the Center for the Environment Summer Leadership Fellowship Program; see application instructions.
 
Requirements:
Along with the Universal Application students must submit a cover letter describing their interests, experiences, and why they’d like to be a Calypso Farm Apprentice, a resume and three references with contact information (two of which need to be work-related references).

About the Organization:
Calypso Farm and Ecology Center is a non-profit, educational farm based in Ester, Alaska. We provide hands-on education to Fairbanks school children through our education programs and our diversified farm feeds a number of local families. Our website provides introductory information on Calypso’s programs, volunteer and membership opportunities, and our future plans.

"Our mission is to promote local agriculture and environmental awareness through hands-on education in natural and farming ecosystems."

Calypso’s projects:

_{Schoolyard Garden Initiative}
The goal of the Schoolyard Garden Initiative is to create a network of school gardens functioning as experiential learning environments for teachers and students during the school year and as food production gardens - maintained by the teenagers involved in Calypso 's Employing Alaskan Teens in Gardening (EATinG) program - during the summer months.
_{Employing Alaskan Teens in Gardening (EATinG)}
Through the EATinG program, middle and high school students are paid each summer to grow food and operate a small Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) at schoolyard gardens in Fairbanks. The EATinG program establishes mutually beneficial relationships where schools have gardens, youth have meaningful employment and hands-on education opportunities and the community has access to locally grown food.
_{Field Trips}
Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, Calypso offers a variety of field trips to school, home and youth groups. In 2006 more than 1400 young people visited Calypso on a field trip that focused on local foods, farming, and the boreal forest ecosystem! 

Ecological Gardening Workshop Series
Throughout the year (February to November), Calypso offers a series of hands-on workshops for Fairbanks gardeners. Workshops cover a range of ecological gardening topics, including composting, companion planting, soil fertility, season extension techniques, and seed saving. Workshops take place at Calypso farm and are taught by local experts.
_{Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) Program}
Farm shareholders, also known as CSA members, pay at the beginning of the season for a "share" of that season's harvest. Throughout the season they then receive a weekly basket of produce and a farm newsletter with recipes and farm news.