Volunteer Spotlight

July 15, 2026

Florine Kruger + Fran LeBarron

If you’ve shopped our weekly Saturday Farm Stand or our table at the Wednesday Wilton Farmers’ Market, you have undoubtedly seen our dynamic agricultural duo – Fran and Florine – setting up the produce and signs, informing customers about Farmer Jonathan’s growing practices or their favorite fresh offerings, and handling transactions. What you don’t see, however, is the countless time and energy they invest week in and week out far beyond the growing season. These women are the backbone of the produce and transplant function at Ambler Farm. (They also work the Thanksgiving Farm Stand!)

Florine Kruger
There are many moving parts in any given week, and Florine juggles them like a pro. Her volunteering tenure at the farm, overseeing the market and stand began even before the farmer was hired! Florine is the one who organizes the winter transplant sale fulfillment, making sure orders are accurate when you pick them up.

Florine has been donating her time and talents to Ambler Farm since 2009. She says, “It’s my happy place,” and that “volunteering offers many opportunities to interact and meet new people, make new friends, and appreciate the beautiful natural surroundings.” She continues, “Our volunteers are very special – diverse and with many talents.”

Fran LeBarron
When you peruse the farm’s transplant sale selection, admire our produce at the Village Market, or marvel at how the farm stand looks then you are subconsciously thanking Fran. When transplants need a little tender loving care, or if the vegetables need to be revived on a hot day, Fran is there. A volunteer for 17 years and counting, Fran transformed the operation from a simple, “The farmer is just throwing food on a table” to a work of art. She also produces our graphic signage at the farm stand so you can easily find what you’re looking for.

Fran says, “The friends I’ve made and the opportunity to give back to the community throughout the entire year in tangible ways – and have fun doing it. The farm has been like a second home to me.”

So stop and say hello to Fran and Florine the next time you’re at the farm stand or market – without them, along with their team of other volunteers, bringing Ambler produce from the farm to the table would not be possible.

Interested in becoming a volunteer at the farm? We have many ways you can help. Let us know!