The Old Fort at Hesperus

Last Updated On: May 7th, 2026 at 07:37PM MST

Contact information

Dirección de la granja:
18683 CO-140
Hesperus, Colorado, 81326

Primary Contact: Elicia Whittlesey
Secondary Contact: Beth LaShell

Primary Phone:
    Type: Cell
    Number: 5307812370
    Email: ewwhittlesey@fortlewis.edu

Secondary Phone
    Type: Cell
    Number: 9707591387
    Email: lashell_b@fortlewis.edu

    Email: lashell_b@fortlewis.edu

Website: https://www.fortlewis.edu/about-flc/initiatives/the-old-fort/old-fort-home

Website: https://www.fortlewis.edu/about-flc/initiatives/the-old-fort/old-fort-home

Internship information

General Farm Description: The Old Fort is located in Hesperus Colorado at an elevation of 7,600 feet. The Old Fort is a part of Fort Lewis College (in Durango, CO) and at one point was the location of the college campus. Today, the Old Fort at Hesperus is a growing and multi-faceted answer to farmer training in the Four Corners region. We grow around 2-3 acres of diversified vegetables and distribute our produce through CSA, Farmers' Market, and Fort Lewis College's campus dining hall. Beyond growing and selling produce, our farms exist as inspirational learning grounds for new and beginning farmers. Through our farming training programs, we provide in-depth education and immersion into high elevation farming practices. Through our incubator programs we provide land access (up to 5 years), irrigation, and other resources for those wishing to start their own farm business.

CRAFT Member Farm? No

Fecha de inicio de las prácticas: 16-May
Fin de las prácticas: 14-Oct
Number of Internship Available: 16
Application Deadline: 28-Feb
Minimum Length of Stay: 6 months

Internship Details:

The Old Fort at Hesperus Farmer In Training Program:
2022 Program Dates: May 16 to October 14
Course 1 & 2: May 24 – July 7
Course 3 & 4: July 12 – August 25
Course 5 & 6: August 30 – October 13
Hourly wages: approximately $3350 total, $300 every other week
Course Fees: $2100 for 6 courses, scholarships available
Application deadline extended to February 28!

Program Description: Farmers-in-training (FITs) gain hands-on experience growing vegetables at high elevation. Through morning field work and afternoon classes and field trips, the FIT program provides a strong foundation for aspiring and beginning farmers. Requiring a commitment of about 25 hours per week, FITs work with program staff to tend 2-3 acres of vegetable production, learning skills and techniques vital to farming at high elevation. FITs join the Old Fort staff and program partners in a network committing to supporting beginning farmers through incubator and other land access opportunities, business planning, and community support. The Old Fort will provide a list of short-term housing options. Housing is not provided.

Program graduates will have completed:
• Six summer short courses (each meets for 2 hours/week for 7 weeks)
• Over 250 hours of work in the fields
• At least 8 field trips to exemplary regional farms

Work and class schedules require a 25 hour/week commitment. FITs select or are assigned one of two different schedules. Both cohorts participate in weekly harvests and seasonal farm projects during work hours. Schedules are assigned in April to allow FITs to find other summer jobs.
• Cohort A:
o Monday through Wednesday – morning work in the field
o Tuesday through Thursday – afternoon classes, field trips, and discussion
• Cohort B:
o Wednesday through Friday – morning work in the field
o Tuesday through Thursday – afternoon classes, field trips, and discussion

Six courses (two running simultaneously for 7 weeks) may include:
• Intro to U.S. Agriculture OR Trends in Sustainable Agriculture
• Seed to seed: plant basics for farmers
• Intro to ecological market farming
• Growing specialty crops at high elevations
• Using tools and machinery, farm and food safety
• Introduction to farm business planning

Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF): For FITs who identify as Native American, grant funds provide an additional living stipend of $2,500 per summer and provide at least 50% scholarships.

Educational Opportunities: Program graduates will have completed: • Six summer short courses (each meets for 2 hours/week for 7 weeks) • Over 250 hours of work in the fields • At least 8 field trips to exemplary regional farms Six courses (two running simultaneously for 7 weeks) may include: • Intro to U.S. Agriculture OR Trends in Sustainable Agriculture • Seed to seed: plant basics for farmers • Intro to ecological market farming • Growing specialty crops at high elevations • Using tools and machinery, farm and food safety • Introduction to farm business planning

Skills Desired: No, this program is open to anyone interested in farming. Since it is catered to be an educational experience, no prior farm experience is necessary.

Meals: No

Stipend: Yes, see program description for stipend and $ information

Housing: No, however we will assist participants from abroad in finding housing

Preferred method of Contact: Correo electrónico