March Volunteer Spotlight: Janet, John, and Rich!

At Pitney Meadows Community Farm, volunteers are the heart of everything we do. They help nurture the land, build community, and bring new life to projects that make our Community Farm a thriving, welcoming space for all. This month, we’re spotlighting three dedicated volunteers, Janet, John, and Rich, who have taken on a special mission: restoring and relocating our bird boxes to create better habitats for native birds like bluebirds and tree swallows.

A bird box, also known as a nesting box, is a man-made enclosure provided for birds to nest in. These boxes help support bird populations by offering a safe space for nesting, sheltering eggs, and raising chicks, particularly in areas where natural nesting sites are limited.

A Project Takes Flight

For Janet and John, their connection to Pitney Meadows runs deep, stretching back to our farm’s earliest days. “We were among the ‘founders’ who contributed so that the property could be bought before it became what it is now,” John shared. “We asked for a farm for Christmas, and our family members gifted us so that we could put together the proper donation amount.” Though they had attended farm events and fundraisers over the years, they hadn’t been actively involved in volunteering until this bird box project came up.

Janet, a self-described “recent bird nerd,” was the one who first noticed the bird boxes on the farm and wondered about their condition. “I had wanted to get over to explore the trails for a while,” she said, recalling her first visit in the fall. “The leaves were at peak color on a gorgeous blue-sky day, and the first thing I noticed were the bird boxes. I inspected all of them to see who might have been nesting earlier in the season. There were no birds left, of course, but I startled a mighty cute family of field mice nesting for the cooler weather. That’s when I wondered if anybody had been monitoring or maintaining the boxes, as they seemed in disrepair.”

Curious about whether the boxes were being used and maintained, Janet reached out to us to ask about them. “I volunteered to help get them back in shape and move them to quieter locations where bluebirds may be more successful,” she said.

“I have lots of ideas but am short on shop skills, so John gratefully jumped in with me. He’s made boxes, repaired boxes, and now installed boxes. We are excited to see how they do and hope to add some bluebirds and tree swallows to the farm ecosystem.”

"My favorite part is the community experience of working toward something together," Janet shared. Whether it’s planning, problem-solving, or simply sharing the satisfaction of a job well done, she finds joy in the collective effort. Restoring the bird boxes has been more than just a task, it’s been an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and make a lasting impact alongside others who share passion for nature and conservation.

For Rich, volunteering at Pitney Meadows is a new experience, but it’s one that already feels meaningful. “My wife, Deborah, had already taught some plant-based cooking classes at Pitney Meadows Community Farm,” he explained. “When I learned about the farm, I knew it was a special place and wanted to contribute.”

Though he had only just begun volunteering, Rich jumped right into the bird box restoration effort with enthusiasm. “The friendly, dedicated people and helping support the farm’s mission are what I enjoy most,” he said. “I offered to build some bluebird houses to place in various locations on the property.”

In addition to volunteering, Rich has spent time at the farm as a runner. “My running group has trained on the trails at the farm,” he shared.

“Everyone always remarks what a great place the farm is to run.” Now, thanks to the bird boxes, those same trails may soon be home to even more bluebirds, swallows, and other native species.

Why Pitney Meadows Matters

Janet, John, and Rich all share a deep appreciation for the importance of preserving Pitney Meadows as a Community Farm. “It’s the last agricultural space in the city, as far as I know,” John reflected. “That alone makes it worth preserving. But beyond that, it’s a place for anyone to come and learn, recreate, and relax. It’s somewhere people can set aside their electronic devices and just be present.”

For Rich, Pitney Meadows represents an essential commitment to land conservation. “Keeping land for agricultural use helps promote biodiversity and maintains open space for recreation,” he said. “My father-in-law was very active in the Maine Farmland Trust, which helped spark my interest in land use issues and the many benefits of preserving farmland.”

Advice for Future Volunteers

When asked what they’d say to someone thinking about volunteering, John kept it simple: “Don’t overthink it. Just try something, pitch in, get a little dirty, and don’t forget to have fun. If it’s not for you, that’s fine, but it might lead to something that means a lot over time.”

Rich agreed, emphasizing the natural next step that volunteering can be for people who already love the farm. “If you’ve stopped by the Farm Stand, enjoyed the trails, or attended a class, you already understand what a great asset the farm is to the community,” he said. “Volunteering to help keep the farm going is just the logical next step.”

Making a Difference, One Bird Box at a Time

Thanks to Janet, John, and Rich, Pitney Meadows’ bird boxes are not just being restored—they are being thoughtfully improved, placed with care, and designed to support the farm’s natural ecosystem for years to come. Their story is a reminder that small acts of stewardship can lead to meaningful change.

If their efforts inspire you, we invite you to join in. Whether you’re passionate about birds, farming, conservation, or simply being part of a community, there’s a place for you at Pitney Meadows. Come pitch in, learn something new, and help keep this special place thriving for future generations. If you are interested in participating in our bird box restoration efforts, please contact Melissa at melissa.spiegel@pitneymeadows.org 

We are so grateful to all our volunteers who bring their time, energy, and heart to our Community Farm. It’s because of people like Janet, John, and Rich that Pitney Meadows continues to grow as a space for people, wildlife, and learning. Thank you for being part of our farm family, Janet, John, and Rich! You all make this place truly special.