Ayers Foundation Internship Inquiry Form

The Ayers Foundation welcomes all inquiries regarding internships on Hillandale Farm in beautiful Westerly, RI., or at one of our affiliate farms (when available and as appropriate to the individual internship interests). We are excited to get to know you and get started organizing a robust learning experience that will provide the best fit for your unique internship needs. We strive to help all of our interns gain a deeper understanding of sustainable and ethical farming practices, and to develop important career-building life skills.

Please fill out this questionnaire to help us better understand your internship goals, and we will reach out to you as soon as possible. (If a particular question is not applicable, please just write N/A.) Thank you!

Your name: *

* Indicates required field

Best phone number to reach you by: *

Best email address to reach you by: *

Name of your school or organization (if applicable): *

If 'Other,' please give the name of your school or organization, and a brief description of your role: *

What areas are you most interested in exploring during your internship? Check all that apply. (Please note that some of these may involve a placement or collaboration with one of our partner farm locations). *

Operating a Small Farm - Developing and practicing common skills required in farming (carpentry, electrical services, plumbing, preventative maintenance, farm safety and use of power tools, fencing, brush management, restoration of historical stone walls, etc.) Organic Agriculture - Immersion in all aspects of organic agriculture (seeding, transplanting, soil management, plant care, cover crops, intercropping, Integrated Pest Management, bio-control, plant nutrition, crop rotation, energy conservation, etc.) Invasive species management - Learning and practicing techniques for managing invasive plant species. Sustainable forestry - Ecosystem-based management of the land - taking all of its elements into careful consideration, which include water, soils, wildlife, timber, non-timber specialty products, biodiversity, scenic beauty and more. Students will help collect data in the forest and may even participate in the composition of management/stewardship plans. Woodlot management - Sustainable and even flow of fuel wood. Program focuses on safe and environmentally sound cutting and extraction of logs for processing into firewood. Animal husbandry - Caring for goats, cows, and other ruminants to maintain animal wellness and production. Aquaculture - Learn the basics in the burgeoning industry of shellfish farming. Come to understand the important economic and ecological role of RI salt ponds and how "best practices" are self-sustaining. I have another idea...

If "I have another idea," please give a brief description of your needs: *

If 'Other,' please offer a brief description: *

Please indicate any time or calendar restrictions/parameters that need to be taken into consideration: *

Please indicate any considerations regarding accessibility for attendees with special needs: (Please note that the farm is not currently wheelchair-friendly.) *

Is there any other information that you would like to share with us to help us get started planning your internship experience? *