We have opportunities throughout the year to volunteer in the Shaker Herb Department. From planting to harvesting, tending to drying, and processing to packing– we offer many possibilities for different interest levels and physical abilities.

Herb Department Volunteer: Enjoy the sweet, savory, and spicy smells of the Shaker Herb Department while you work alongside our Herb Department Manager helping to process the garden harvest and prepare the culinary herbs and teas for packing into tins, just like the Shakers have done since the 1800s. No prior experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and uphold the quality and standards that Shaker Village is known for. Schedule is flexible any day(s) Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30am-4:30pm throughout the year. Volunteer a few hours here and there, a full day once in a while, or set up a regular volunteering schedule with us! We’d love to have you here. Contact us at 926-4597 or info@maineshakers.com

Herb Garden Volunteer: Do you have a strong back, love being outside, and like to get your hands dirty? Then consider becoming a Garden Volunteer. Working in the Shakers’ Herb Garden is a rewarding and educational experience. Take the skills you learn back to your own home garden to grown the best herb garden you’ve ever had! We offer regular and rotating schedules throughout the growing and harvesting season (May-October). The herb garden plots used today at Shaker Village have been under the Shakers’ cultivation for more than 232 years. We offer a season-long, hands-on volunteer experience for those interested in helping to care for and harvest herbs grown at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. Volunteer positions are typically available Monday through Friday from 8am-5pm (dependent on weather and gardener’s schedule). Flexible schedule for your availability within those hours– come faithfully or just when you can. All tools are provided. Must be able to bend, lift, and work in various weather conditions. Contact us at 926-4597 or tyler@maineshakers.com

Did you know that our entire herb garden is Mission based from start to finish?

We source our seedlings from Portland Arts and Technology High School’s horticulture program and our neighbor’s at Donna’s Greenhouse.

On Wednesday, the entire garden will be planted by students from Mr. Eamon Brandon’s eight grade class from Bruce Whittier Middle School in Poland, Maine. Nearly half of the students each year are learning to plant for the first time! We have a great time together and we’re looking forward to their help. We have thousands of herbs to plant this year!

Throughout the season, people with autism and intellectual uniqueness from PODS and Opportunity Enterprises help us care for the plants, harvest, process, and package our dried herbs.

The herb garden is a hub for our favorite community of friends and helpers, including more than a dozen regular volunteers!

If you’d like to get involved in this growing community, please reach out! We promise you’ll have a lot of fun as we work and learn together!