At Farm Discovery, we’re lucky to have an amazing community of volunteers who bring their energy and dedication to our fields. One such superstar is Courtnay Perry. Over the past few weekends, Courtnay has spent more than 80 hours with us in the fields, and her positivity and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact. We’re thrilled to share more about her journey with Farm Discovery and what inspires her to be such an active part of our mission.
About Courtnay
Courtnay is a technical writer by trade, but her love for nature and growing things has always been a central part of her life. “Wherever I’ve gone, I’ve always planted a garden,” she says. “Something about putting my hands in the dirt, growing things that are little magic acts that nourish. Have you ever seen a bean sprout come up?”
This summer, Courtnay has been a tireless presence in our fields, helping weed, plant, and maintain the crops that sustain our programs. Her work is a critical part of what keeps Farm Discovery flourishing.
How She Got Involved
Courtnay’s connection to Farm Discovery began with her sister, Natasha, who sits on our board of directors. Natasha suggested Courtnay to pitch in, jokingly referring to it as “the internship she’d always dreamed of”, but what started as a casual suggestion quickly became a passion.
Courtnay recalls her first day: “I came out to weed ‘a garden,’ which turned into planting a field, and then another field. Then, I picked strawberries and knew I had to share the experience with everyone I knew. Tasting a red, sun-warmed strawberry right from the field was unforgettable.” Each week, Courtnay eagerly returns to see how the fields have progressed and to contribute further to our mission.
Why Farm Discovery’s Mission Matters
For Courtnay, Farm Discovery’s mission hits close to home. “It’s about community and learning where my food comes from,” she explains. While she understood the concept of food systems in theory, working in the fields gave her a deeper appreciation for the labor and knowledge behind every bite.
“I picked strawberries for three hours, and by the end, I could barely walk,” she jokes. “It made me realize it’s not machines that put food on my table but hard work, deep knowledge, and cooperation with nature. These systems need our support on so many levels.”
Thank You, Courtnay!
Courtnay’s passion and hard work embody the spirit of Farm Discovery. Volunteers like her bring our mission to life, ensuring that we can educate and inspire our community about sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Next time you bite into a ripe strawberry or see a thriving field, think of Courtnay and all the volunteers who make it possible. Interested in joining our volunteer community? Reach out to us—we’d love to have you in the fields too!
