Written by Angela Goebel | 17 May 2010

I asked volunteers about what motivates them to participate at Hayes Valley Farm. Here’s what they told me:

Harshal comes for "good food, good friends and fun exercise."

Ishani is taking an Indigenous Permaculture class through the Ecology Center in Berkeley. On Sunday April 18, she and her class visited the farm for the first time. They are touring gardens to see how they’re designed.

Trevor said he was "interested in growing food." He is enrolled a permaculture class in the East Bay, but previous to Hayes Valley "hadn’t gotten involved with anything in the city." He believes that "the space provides an amazing opportunity."

Maria grew up on an 80-acre farm growing corn and potatoes in Mississippi.  She lives a block away, and she said, Hayes Valley Farm "reminds me of home."

Dan stops by Hayes Valley to gain knowledge. He would like to learn more about farming and gardening fruits and vegetables. "I come twice a week," he said, and "I meet a lot of new people building community."

Haley is studying permaculture in Bolinas.  Her class picked the Hayes Valley lot as a theoretical site project.  "I was really excited when I found out it was actually happening."

Casey enjoys "the feeling of community and unity" present at the farm, "and working for a greater cause."

Photos: "What brings you to Hayes Valley Farm?" by Angela Goebel, April 18, 2010