Caring for the Land, Together
Volunteers are at the heart of Ignatius Jesuit Centre. For decades, people from across the region have given their time, energy, and care to support the land, programs, and community life that make this place what it is today. Whether tending trails, restoring habitat, growing food, or helping with events, volunteering at IJC is a way to build meaningful relationships with the land and with one another.
Volunteering here is practical and relational. It is about showing up regularly or seasonally, learning by doing, and contributing to shared stewardship of this place. People volunteer for many reasons: to spend time outdoors, to learn new skills, to give back to a place they value, or to be part of a community rooted in care for our common home.
Ways to Get Involved
Volunteers support nearly every area of work at IJC. Opportunities change with the seasons and the needs of the land, but commonly include:
- Conservation, Land Stewardship
Helping with invasive species removal, tree planting, habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and monitoring projects across the property. - Farm & Food Systems
Supporting Ignatius Farm through garden support, orchard care, work bees, and seasonal farm tasks that strengthen local, regenerative food systems. - Community Gardens & Orchard
Assisting with seasonal set-up and clean-up, shared work days, gleaning, and care of communal growing spaces. - Events & Community Life
Helping with seasonal gatherings, public events, workshops, and special projects that bring people together on the land.
Some roles are ongoing, while others are project-based or seasonal. There are opportunities for individuals, families, and groups, and no prior experience is required.
Learning Through Practice
Volunteering at IJC is also a learning experience. Volunteers gain hands-on knowledge of land stewardship, regenerative growing, and ecological restoration while deepening their understanding of how care for the land is connected to care for community and spirit. Staff and experienced volunteers provide guidance, and there is room to grow skills over time.
This approach reflects the Ignatian tradition of learning through reflection and action—paying attention to what we are doing, why it matters, and how it shapes our relationships with the world around us.
A Welcoming Community
IJC strives to be a welcoming and inclusive place for volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We recognize that people come to this work with different experiences and capacities, and we value the diversity of perspectives and gifts that volunteers bring.
Whether you volunteer once a season or become a regular part of a volunteer crew, your presence helps sustain the land, the programs, and the community that gathers here.
If you have any questions about volunteering at IJC, please contact us.