Gardener - Johnson Farm - Peaks of Otter

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The National Park Service is seeking volunteer gardeners to work at the Historic Johnson Farm at the Peaks of Otter at milepost 85.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The volunteers will be responsible for planting and maintaining a small vegetable garden.

The Peaks of Otter consists of three mountain peaks (Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill) surrounding the picturesque Abbot Lake. A popular hiking destination, the Peaks of Otter also boasts an impressive history of early mountain tourism. The Historic Johnson Farm is an interpretive site at the Peaks of Otter. John Therone and Mary Elizabeth Johnson bought land on Harkening Hill in 1852 and established a farm that would remain in their family for three generations, a period of eighty-nine years. John T., as he was called, raised sheep, grew vegetables (especially potatoes) in abundance, and operated a distillery in a nearby hollow on "Still-house Stream," where he made brandy from apples grown on the mountainside.

Major Duties

• Plant and manage Parkway gardens within the scope and scale of approved plans, policies, and regulations of the National Park Service.

• Work with other volunteers and park staff in performing basic gardening work such as planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, mulching, harvesting, raking, and pruning, as well as collecting and disposing of trash and the debris resulting from garden work.

• Use basic gardening tools and perform tasks according to level of training and comfort.

• Answer visitor questions and give informal interpretive talks while working in the garden.

• Educate Parkway visitors about the National Park Service Mission including how and why to protect Parkway resources.

• Attend volunteer briefings and training sessions.

• Communicate with NPS staff about needs, issues, successes, and hazards related to volunteer activities.

• Ensure and provide for a safe environment for themselves, others, and Parkway resources at all times.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of tasks associated with growing a vegetable garden

• Ability to walk on uneven terrain

• Ability to work outside in various weather conditions

• Ability to interact with the public in a polite and professional manner

• Knowledge of historic farming practices of the Southern Appalachian Mountains is preferred but not required

Start Date - 2025-04-28

End Date - 2025-10-31