After volunteering for the Halloween parade in New York, the idea of volunteer tourism really starting appealing to me. While traveling, why not volunteer for a cause while I’m there? Make a place a little better just by being in it, you know? In the spirit of “think globally, act locally,” I decided to start in my own backyard.

Silverton, Oregon is about a 45 minute drive from Portland. It could be easily overshadowed by the nearby Bavarian-inspired town of Mt. Angel, with its popular Oktoberfest celebration. But Silverton is a gem in its own right, a quaint and historic Old Town with many fascinating stories and experiences. I decided to go check it out and looked for volunteer opportunities in the area. That’s how I found the Green Acres Farm Sanctuary. This non-profit rescues farm animals that have been neglected, abused, or discarded and gives them a life without stress or worry. It’s entirely volunteer-run and every two weeks they hold a work party, where anyone can come help out on the farm. This was exactly what I was looking for.

The work party starts at 10am every other Saturday, it’s an easy and beautiful drive from Portland with little traffic. The sanctuary is unassuming from the road, in fact, I drove right by it the first time. We checked in, disinfected our shoes (avian flu is serious business), and were then asked what animals we wanted to work with. Some volunteers were regulars and they knew what they wanted to do. There are cows, horses, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and more, so how do you choose? As a newbie, I said I’ll do anything so I was put to task cleaning out a stall in the barn. I’m not sure what animal was in the stall before, but they needed it prepped for some sick hens that were being moved out of the general population. The work wasn’t strenuous, but it was work shoveling out the hay and, um, other stuff into a wheelbarrow to be dumped into the compost heap. I had a friendly orange barn cat helping me out and I enjoyed listening to the 80s music on the radio while I worked. It was very rewarding when the stall was all clean and knowing that it would help the hens get healthy again.

I was then asked to go sweep up the goat houses and brush the goats. I learned about the different goats, their names, breeds, and a bit of their histories. Fainting goats were bred so that they wouldn’t jump their fences. So now they walk around somewhat stiff legged and can be easy to startle or knock off balance. I was horrified to learn that the process of removing and preventing horn growth in baby goats can have devastating results. If the hot iron that is used goes too far into the goat’s head, then permanent brain damage is the result. This poor little baby goat was so sweet, but would walk in circles or stumble randomly. But she was still curious and friendly and I just wanted to scoop her up and take her home.

Brushing goats is one of my favorite things in the world. Goats are like big cats in a lot of ways. They have their own strong personalities and if a goat likes being brushed, they’ll let you know. Sometimes insistently. It’s adorable. Fun fact: Goats aren’t trying to eat your clothing! They’re naturally curious creatures and since they don’t have hands and fingers, they use their mouths to investigate things they’re interested in. So if a goat appears to be chewing on your jacket, they’re really just feeling it with their lips and tongue.

The two hours flew by and then we were free to check out the animals. I really wanted to meet the burro but he only came close enough to the fence to check us out. But I did get to meet a very friendly horse. And I got to pet sheep, which is a little surreal for a city kid to rediscover that wool isn’t manufactured in a factory. There were also pigs and the biggest cow I’ve ever seen. He was extremely intimidating at nearly 6 feet tall, but we were assured that he’s very “sweet.” Maybe next time I’ll be brave enough to get closer.

There will be a next time. It was such a fun and rewarding experience and a great way to spend a Saturday morning. The sanctuary’s owners thanked us for our time but it felt like we should be thanking them. It’s easy to forget that a small effort can make a huge difference in someone’s life. I plan to incorporate volunteering in all my future travels. What better way to experience another place than to get your hands a little dirty helping out? So if you’re visiting Portland, take a drive south a little bit and help make some animals’ lives a little better. You’ll be glad you did. Can’t make it to Silverton? Consider a donation to this very worthy cause.

Queer and transgender volunteers will be happy to note their mission and policy includes non-discrimination against gender identity. You’ll be welcomed with open arms.