Summer-thyme at Baton Roots

Summer in South Louisiana can be a tough time for farmers, foresters, and all outdoor professions. It takes flowerful determination to withstand the rain, heat, and humidity that these months bring. Despite the sometimes un-berry-able weather conditions, the Baton Roots team is raking it til we make it to cooler weather.

Lettuce learn about summer-thyme at the farm below!

Beet the heat as a morning volunteer

Join the Baton Roots farm team on Friday mornings from 10am-12pm* for planty of fun! Volunteers are essential to our work growing nutrient-rich, accessible food for our community. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, bring water, and wear sun protection and closed-toed shoes.

*weather permitting

Register for upcoming volunteer events

Hustle & Grow: Youth Urban Farming Internship

The Hustle & Grow program provides boots-in-the-dirt education and work experience to young people ages 13-18 who are passionate about the environment and eager to learn. This year, more than 60 young people applied for the 13 spots in the summer program. While program space was limited this year, we hope to expand the program next summer to meet this vine-tastic interest.

Hustle & Grow teaches the ins and outs of urban farming, from planting and harvesting to composting and sustainable practices. This internship provides an opportunity for youth to earn a stipend to continue their agricultural education while they gain essential skills like gardening, teamwork, and leadership. Young people in Hustle & Grow contribute to the community by helping grow fresh produce for local families and receive practical tips on how to live sustainably in an urban environment.

The program meets twice a week at the Baton Roots Community Farm at Howell Park through June and July. Interns work with experienced urban farmers and environmental advocates on a variety of activities from garden building to eco-crafts and food tasting.

Hustle & Grow is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. Baton Roots will host youth Hustle & Grow interns in Fall 2025. Applications for the fall after-school internship will open in August.

Agroforestry Apprentices take on Arborist Training!

The Agroforestry Apprenticeship is a year-long workforce development program providing training in horticulture, arboriculture, and green infrastructure.

Apprentices in the Agroforestry Program spent this past spring learning the ropes with Baton Rouge Green and Baton Roots. They planted more than 200 trees at community sites throughout Baton Rouge and studied for licensure as Landscape Horticulturists. This summer, apprentices are digging deeper to summer squash the heat and study for their arborist licenses. Check out the cute-cumber gallery below to see the Agroforestry Apprentices in action!

Applications for the 2026 Agroforestry Apprenticeship Cohort will open in September 2025.