It’s officially Spring!
While in Detroit that typically means another month or two of rain and snow, the optimist in me believes the warm weather is here to stay.
Volunteering is an essential component of Challenge Detroit. However despite the instrumental role it plays in our experience, it’s been an ongoing challenge to find new, enjoyable opportunities during the dreary, dark days of a Michigan winter.
In general, I enjoy a variety of opportunities to volunteer, with outdoor activities topping my list of preferences. Reflecting back to August 2015 when I started this fellowship, a majority of my volunteer hours involved outdoor manual work. Unfortunately winter weather interfered, and now I miss the dirt, sweat and sore muscles.
So for those of you like me, I’d like to share a few of my favorite outdoor volunteer opportunities in honor of the warm weather!
(MUFI) Michigan Urban Farming Initiative – 7432 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48202
- MUFI is a great place to spend a few hours of your time, especially with a friend or a group. There’s always something different to do, and they have open volunteer hours on Saturdays from 10 – 4 PM.
Always growing Detroit – Plum Street Market Garden – Corner or Third and Plum St.
- The Plum Street Market currently has open volunteer hours on Tuesday nights from 4 – 6 PM and on Thursdays from 5 – 7 PM. Expect friendly staff who immediately welcome you and are eager to learn your name.
The Greening of Detroit – 1418 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216
- While I have yet to volunteer with The Greening of Detroit, I plan to in the next few months. Word on the street – if you have a green thumb this is the opportunity for you.
In summary, let’s get out there and volunteer!