Land-Based Apprenticeships

We ran an engaging 6-month Community Ecology Apprenticeship program in 2024 thanks to funding from the US Forest Service.  We are currently seeking alternative funding to keep the program going in the future, but have not yet secured funds. If we are able to revive the program, we will list details here.  In the meantime, please enjoy info about the 2024 program below.

Link to apprenticeship photo album
Link to newsletters
Link to community visioning session youtube video

Thanks to funding from the US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant, we are excited to offer a new land-based apprenticeship program focusing on Agroforestry and sustainable forestry.  Our initial cohort of 16 apprentices will learn through a combination of on the job training, hands-on classes, and courses in ecology and entrepreneurship.  Participants will work with experienced mentors and professional teachers at Solid Ground Farm as they grow existing opportunities on the farm into self-sustaining businesses over a 6 month period.  Four mentors have been selected to help guide apprentices in the fields of agroforestry design, installation, and maintenance, sustainable forest tending, interpretive and place-based education, natural building, and sustainable agriculture. 

Business opportunities include, but are not limited to:
-Plant propagation and nursery management
-Ecological Land Tending
-Mushroom cultivation
-Organic Vegetable Production/Alley cropping
-Adding value to farm and forest products
-Natural Building
-Permaculture and Forest Garden Design
-Trail maintenance and design
-Farm and forest education and engagement

The program begins in April and runs for 6 months. Apprentices will take 8 hours of courses/hands-on training and then work directly with a mentor for 12 hours of on the job training for a total of 20 hours per week over 3 days. Thanks to this grant funding, apprentices will be paid $15/hr.

If interested please email westonlombard@risingappalachia.org with a description of your experience and motivation.