Growing to Give in Warren County

The Wagner Farm Arboretum Foundation (WFAF) was established in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. WFAF seeks to enrich, educate and inspire the community by increasing environmental awareness and recreational opportunities.

Volunteers are tasked to enrich the farm by preparing the beds in Spring, Summer, and Fall. Volunteers will also aid in weeding beds and planting seeds or seedlings of dozens of different species, from sun flowers to cabbage. The volunteers will also be working on special projects through out the season.

The Wagner Farm Arboretum Foundation works to preserve the relationship between people, plants, and nature through education and conservation. In addition, the Giving Garden Project, established in 2007 to provide fresh produce for those experiencing food insecurity, grows, harvests, and distributes thousands of pounds of food each year to local food banks and soup kitchens.

On average, WFAF harvest over 5,000 lbs of produce annually. They also have a long-standing partnership with Rutgers Snyder Farm harvesting over 76,000 pounds of produce from their farm in 2025. Additionally, 100% of produce grown and harvested is donated to those in need.

NEED-TO-KNOW

• ​Volunteers should be sure to wear comfortable clothes that can handle a little dirt and avoid open toed shoes. Boots and sneakers are recommended for the volunteers.

• ​The activities will be moderately physically active, all activities require standing. Some tasks require heavy lifting (i.e. hauling soil in wheelbarrows). However, accommodations can be provided if limitations are shared with staff upon arrival.

• There is parking available down the hill, next to the greenhouse.

• All volunteers must sign the waiver form and sign in at the log book when they arrive. They must include the number of hours that they have volunteered when they sign out. Minors must have a parent/guardian signature on the waiver when they attend the opportunity.

• ​This event is light rain or sign. Please note that all activities are outdoors.

Orientation Video: Are you new to Jersey Cares? Watch our brief orientation video to learn more about who we are, what we do and how to sign-up for a project.

FAQ’s: For answers to our frequently asked questions, please visit the Help section of our website.

Waivers: All projects have non-negotiable age restrictions that are noted on the upper right side of each project description. If you meet the age restriction but are under 18, please have a parent or legal guardian complete the required youth waiver and bring with you to the project. Adults attending the project can expedite the registration process by printing the adult waiver in advance, sign and bring with you.