WWOOF

Over a holiday break (I don't remember if it was Thanksgiving or Christmas), I was started thinking about what I want to do this summer if I can't go to Europe. Which, because of money, I probably won't. I'm really interested in community living, and started looking at communes (not the creepy cult ones) and the like. I have a list saved as an unpublished blog post somewhere, but none of them seemed to fit exactly what I was looking for.

Today, Sierra told me about WWOOFing.




From Wiki:

"World-Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (also known as Willing Workers on Organic Farms) (WWOOF) is a loose network of national organisations which facilitate the placement of volunteers on organic farms.

WWOOF’s aims to provide volunteers with first-hand experience in organic and ecologically sound growing methods to help the organic movement, and to let volunteers experience life in a rural setting or a different country. WWOOF volunteers ('WWOOFers') generally do not receive any financial payment. The host provides food, accommodation and opportunities to learn, in exchange for assistance with farming or gardening activities. The duration of the visit can range from a few days to years. Workdays average 5-6 hours and participants interact with other WWOOFers from various countries.

WWOOF farms include private gardens through smallholdings, allotments, and commercial farms. Farms become WWOOF hosts by enlisting with their national organisation. In countries with no WWOOF organisation, farms enlist with WWOOF UK and WWOOF Australia. Examples of WWOOF experiences include harvesting cup gum honey from Ligurian bees at Island Beehive, harvesting Syrah grapes for Knappstein Vineyard in the Clare Valley and harvesting coffee beans from Coffea arabicas in Northern Thailand."

This coming up summer is the only one I'll have for a long time that I won't have to factor in income for student loans. In my mind, this makes it the opportune time for a holistic adventure full of growth and reconnection to humanity and Gaia. Sounds corny or weird, but I don't care. It sounds amazing to me. I'm going to use this post as a place to keep track of all the places I'm interested in.

Earth Sky Time Community Farm

VT (Northeast)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1287

We are a small community based organic farm located in Southwestern Vermont. We grow vegetables, flowers and herbs, and keep laying hens and honey bees. We have a 50 member CSA program and a stand at 2 local farmers markets where we sell our produce as well as homemade prepared foods including granola, hummus, crackers, veggie burgers, salsa, pickles, pesto ...etc. We also collect compostables from local restaurants to feed our 300 hens and provide renewable fertility for our fields. We welcome wwoofers year round and encourage 3 month internships, but also accept folks for shorter stays. There is always something going on here, and our house is bustling with projects, friends, good food, and our three young children. We work hard and expect that you will too. Jobs include all aspects of farming (greenhouse work, field prep, seeding, transplanting, weeding, harvesting, going to market, food waste collection and chicken chores), construction projects (greenhouse/tunnel building) and kitchen work (commercial food prep, as well as lactic fermentation and canning projects). We like to take breaks from our hard work and go to our favorite swimming hole. We have a beautiful sunny porch where we like to practice yoga. Our kitchen is strictly vegetarian; vegan diets are no problem at all. We cook, eat (and wash dishes) communally. Accommodations are in our big old farmhouse, a few cabins and a tree house. To get here, the closest cities with public transportation are Rutland and Brattleboro VT or Albany NY and we can try to match up rides. It is an exciting time to be a part of the local, organic food movement. We believe that sharing skills with the folks who come work with us is one of our most important roles. Wwoofing with us serves as a broad education on sustainable agriculture, and communal country living. Peace.

Sky Meadow Retreat

VT (Northeast)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1291

120 acre old homestead at the end of a quiet dirt road in the secluded town of Stannard in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. Our primary purpose is creating a small intentional spiritual community with daily meditation and support for personal growth and healing as the focus. We grow many of our own vegetables for consumption throughout the year and to feed guests who come here on retreat. This land has been an organic homestead since 1988 and has diversified perennial tree and bush crops as well as wild foods. There are homeschooling children on the farm and we support several sheep and chickens for companionship only. We are ideally looking for people to visit for several days to check compatibility, then do a one month tryout, followed by a one year trial membership. We accept shorter visits by arrangement. We usually take on new people during February - April. Contact us anytime to check for residential openings. We have five member housing options, each a separate unit with heat, water source, electricity, simple kitchen and toilet. Members have access to hot shower, laundry, phone and possibly a community car. We have a small cob house and all our buildings emphasize local materials, low energy usage, beauty, simplicity and efficiency. 30 hours per week for room, board and utilities. Trial members and members receive a small weekly stipend. Work includes gardening vegetables, flowers and fruit, animal care, forest management and landscaping, firewood, building maintenance and construction, cleaning, cooking vegetarian meals for ourselves and guests, and hosting groups. Children and cats could come with prior approval. Vegetarian leaning toward vegan with emphasis on local in season. Nous parlon aussi francais.

Three Sisters Harvest
CO (West )
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1998

This small farm is located in , Colorado on the Western Slope, with easy access to the Colorado and Utah canyon country, as well as many beautiful mountain ranges. The Colorado River is less than a mile from the property and the Colorado National Monument is less than three miles. The farm is in its fledgling state, a work in progress, and there are many projects underway including developing a lavender farm and lavender culinary products. The owner has completed a permaculture design certification course and uses many of those concepts on site. There is continual work involving fruit tree maintenance and harvesting, gardening, weed control, and building projects such as fencing, building a greenhouse, building raised vegetable beds and working on alternative building projects. Carpentry, farming and landscape skills are a plus. Five hours of work per day, five days a week is expected. A minimum stay of one week is desired and longer stays can easily be arranged, contingent upon work skills and work ethic. Most work is needed from April through October. Living accommodations include a private room in the house, full access to the kitchen, laundry and internet. Camping is an option as well, with full access to the house. Two single persons or a couple can be accommodated. Shared food or a food stipend of $50 per week will be provided. No smoking is allowed and children and pets cannot be accommodated. One bicycle is available and a practical way to get around Grand Junction. Rides to and from town (5 miles) are available on a limited basis too. English is the owner's native language, but occasionally, Spanish language speakers are on site. This is a beautiful area situated on the Colorado Plateau and well worth the experience. There are many opportunities in the area for mountain biking, hiking, fishing, climbing, backpacking, music festivals and so forth. Call to discuss details and make arrangements.

DreamweaverSanctuary
CO (West )
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1889

We are located in a small rural village at the base of the Sangre De Cristo mountain range at 7500 ft. we have 4 acres devoted to sustainable practices. We welcome self motivated, co-creative individuals and families to share in organic gardening, creative carpentry, cottage industries and festive preparation. We have several yurts a tipi, plenty of camping and a community kitchen for guests. There are twenty different spiritual centers, honoring all wisdom teachings, many hiking trails, and hot springs in the area, come share the charm.

The Oasis

CO (West)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1279

The Oasis is 75 acres of wilderness land in Southwestern Colorado located in a forested canyon (Pinon and Juniper). The land is blessed with year around creeks, springs, a spring fed pond, and good neighbors. We currently have about 1 acre under cultivation with plenty of room to grow. In two years, we (the land stewards) have planted fruit and nut trees, berries, medicinal herbs, and annual veggies for eating and seed saving. Our main focuses are varied and ever evolving. They include: permaculture, yoga, music, art, and community living. We are a very open community to those that share the vision, are driven to make it happen, and respect all things (including themselves). Work will include: gardening, gardening, gardening, as well as alternative building, roadwork, interpersonal relationships, as well as whatever else needs to be done. We are not of any particular denomination, however we have strong spiritual roots in the earth and the living world around us. WWOOFers are welcome at any time and for as long as they like (providing they are willing to take part in the community whole-heartedly). Our accommodations for volunteers are rustic (tipis), but we do have a community house with solar power and newly remodeled kitchen and bathroom, as well as a workshop. Currently there are four children associated with The Oasis, and more are welcome. We ask that if you have pets, that they are under your control, for the safety of the wildlife is of the utmost importance to us.

Smokey Bowl Family Farm

NC (Southeast)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1716

We are located in the north western tip of NC directly on the TN state line at “Sam’s Gap”. We are a 64 acre No-Till, organic mushroom, berry, and apple farm that is attached and surrounded by the Pisgah and Cherokee National Forests. We are less than a ¼ mile from the Appalachian Trail and 30 miles north of Asheville NC. Our main farm business is Shiitake production on natural hardwood logs. We are the largest Shiitake farm in WNC. We plan to almost double our capacity this winter from 2000 logs to almost 4000. We will also be planting an additional 100 blueberry plants, up to 200 fruit and nut trees, 4 large (3’x50’) raised beds for vegetable production, as well as increase our lodgings from recycled material and off-grid power sources. In addition to these farming aspects we will also be recording the fungal biodiversity in our forest by maintaining a daily log in which all fungal observations will be noted. The majority of the work is fairly simple but laborious. The months of November and April are dedicated to shiitake inoculation. This involves harvesting / removing of “waste” wood from the forest, loading and unloading of logs, cleaning, drilling, inoculating, waxing and stacking. Most logs weigh around 50 pounds (some over 100 pounds) and we do NOT use machinery (tractors, loaders, etc…). Also, daily harvesting, and weekly sorting, grading, packing and delivery to customers will need to be maintained. In addition to shiitake, we will also be inoculating Reishi, Oyster, Lions Mane, Chaga and a variety of other less known edibles. In regards to fruit and berries, we will be readying the fields for planting in Dec and Feb. This entails removing overgrown shrubs and weeds, laying cardboard and then mulch and wood chips, preparing the exact spot where planting will occur (French-intensive method), setting up watering systems (rain and gravity flow). Once again, no machinery will be used. Garden preparation will be an ongoing process beginning in Oct, as will construction of our eco-friendly buildings. We welcome all guests who have a sincere interest in myco-farming. We would prefer longer-term participants (1-3+ months) since it takes a while to really gain an appreciation for this type of farming, but we welcome anyone who wants to help. We have 3 cabins (all with wood heat, 1 with water, none with bathrooms), community outhouse and use of owner’s bathroom for those desperate times. There is an outdoor hot shower that is fed from one of the 2 creeks. We can house up to 8 people comfortably, but there is unlimited space for camping. We have a community truck to use as long as you have a license and insurance. In addition to on-site housing we have a few trailers in Erwin, TN that you can rent for free if (water and electricity included) with full-time help on the farm. However, you may need to hitchhike back and forth. (An easy 20 mile hitch). We expect an average of 30 hours a week of work and we will house and feed you. (Usually fresh veggies, shiitake, beans and rice). You may provide your own meat but it must be cooked separately on your own cookware. There is a “NO DRUNK PERSON” policy on this farm. There is no hard alcohol allowed, beer and wine only with owner’s permission. (You can always go get drunk in the national forest and come back when you are sober). There will not any exceptions to this rule. Families with children are welcome, as we have 2 kids. We would prefer a no pet situation but may be willing to work something out in some circumstances. Unfortunately, we only speak English and broken Spanish, but language should not be a barrier. All ethnicities and nationalities welcome. All religions welcome too, just don’t preach to us as we believe in the Mother. We are located in the mountains, and winter can be pretty cold at times and we do get snow. Our elevation ranges from 3000’-4000’. You will need a warm sleeping bag and winter ready clothing as well as a good of pair of boots. It rains a lot here. No special tools are needed as most of the work is done by hand.

SPIRITS RISING

NC (Southeast)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1522

Spirits Rising is a community of artists, musicians, eco-conservationists and spiritually open-minded people. We live on 20 acres of wooded mountain land about 4,000 feet elev in Appalachia. The main focus is to create a place for artists and musicians to play and create while respecting and honoring the land. We share this piece of earth with an abundance of wildlife: black bears, white tail deer, rattle snakes, bobcats, coyotes, foxes and wild turkeys. There have also been reports and rumored sighting of Sasquatch. This area of America is also noted for having over 70 species of edible plants and over 30 species of medicinal herbs. The property is a forest of poplars, blackberry briar patches, apple trees, and hemlocks. This area of Western North Carolina offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, etc. We’re located near the Madison County Library, the Appalachian Cultural Center, and less than an hour from Hot Springs. Downtown Marshall hosts a traditional blue grass shin dig every Thursday night. Experience real Appalachian Mountain culture locally while participating in progressive movements at Sprits Rising. WWOOFers will have the opportunity to learn about and experience international shamanic practices. Native American culture, earth based spirituality and living eco-consciously. We have a diverse selection of musical instruments and all kinds of arts supplies. WWOOFers are welcomed and encouraged to add to the artistic expression of the property through painting, wood carving, music, dance, etc. While visiting here, WWOOFers are invited to participate in te varied events at Spirits rising such as sweat lodges, drum circles, workshops, shamanic ceremonies, earth based rituals and other gatherings. WWOOFing work includes green construction of other structures to be built, general maintenance of living spaces and gardening. Our garden was created using biodynamic, geomantic and shamanic methods. We require WWOOFers to participate in the work load at least 30 hours per week. We recycle, compost our waste, use composting toilets, rainwater tanks and grey water practices. We’re also researching alternative energy. The land is owned and operated by Sheila “Shine” McGuire of the Circles of Love movement- a traveling interactive music and art extravaganza that will soon be based in downtown Asheville. We can host up to 8 WWOOFers in our rustic bunkhouse or primitive camping is available with your tent. No children or pets at this time. Future projects: shiitake mushrooms, geomantic domes, body care products, log cabin construction, and varied art projects. Min stay 2 weeks, longer welcome. 40 mins from downtown Asheville- can pick up from airport there. English, Spanish, and Native American dialects spoken here. Mixed diet and shared cooking responsibility. Looking to host open minded, team oriented, friendly, productive people. In return for your time we hope to provide a different view of American culture to international WWOOFers- a view outside of MTV and Hummers.

Feel Good Farm

OR (West )

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/2234

We are a small CSA providing boxes to 10-15 members as well as occasional deliveries to market and restaurants as produce is available. We raise a wide variety of vegetables and some fruit and herbs. Work includes seeding, transplanting, harvesting, weeding, farm maintenance, chicken care, compost maintenance, and a variety of other projects. Suggested length of stay for volunteers is 3 days - 2 weeks. Volunteers are needed from, March - October. 2-3 WOOFers at a time, choice of accomodation in main house, camping or alternative shelter depending on time of season. Other than main house there is a solar shower and composting toilet for use as well. we are continuing to add to our farm and property with projects promoting sustainability ie wood fired hot tub, solar, planting fruit trees, building a new small greenhouse for plant propagation, food preservation etc. Expectations would vary depending on time staying, average of 4 hours a day. Eugene a 30 minute drive, much hiking, mountain biking, camping, boating very near by, Lost Valley Education Center 2 miles down the road, etc. Yes from Eugene or nearby locations transportation would be available. English is spoken. Children yes, pets no due to chickens and other resident dogs and cat.

Sweet Water Farm
OR (west )
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/2026

Located in beautiful Southern Oregon! We are a small, family farm currently serving an 18 member CSA, a farmer's market, and a natural food store. We grow vegetables, berries, and our first fruits are ripening in our young orchard. We have a small flock of laying hens for our home use and CSA members. This is our first year growing seed(lettuce, tomato, winter squash) on a commercial contract. We strive to use the principals of Permaculture and Biodynamics on our farm. We aim to connect with our local community and use the gift of the land to improve our own health and that of our neighbors. This was our first season using Biodynamic Preparations and will continue to explore their effects on plant growth. We work to improve them with cover crops, crop rotation, manures, leaves, and OMRI fertilizers and composts. Our goal is to increase diversity on the farm, save as many seeds as possible, continue planting fruit forests, develop a nursery/plant propagation/tree grafting aspect, and grow as much of the food we eat as possible. Long term viability projects of ponds and earthworks and water catchment are important to us. Mountain bike trails, rope swings, and skate ramps would also help in the long-term enjoyment of the farm. We are open to any length of stay as long as communication is clear. We would truly appreciate the help, even if it is for a limited time. One week seems like a minimum amount of time needed to learn a few skills and assist in a significant manner. At this moment, accommadations consist of camping under clear skies with a tent pad, hose water, solar shower, composting toilet, camp stove, and 18 acres to explore. This summer we will be working on a straw bale addition on one of the buildings here. We will also be cooking pizza in the cob oven and listening to music. A four hour work day would be expected in return for agricultural instruction, free stay, free produce from the garden, one egg a day, clean Sweet Water, and basic grains(oatmeal, rice, quinoa, beans, etc.). There are a vast array of beautiful places to see near here. The ocean and the redwoods are an hour and a half away. The Illinois, Rogue, and Applegate rivers all flow near here. Beautiful swimming holes, powerful rivers, mountain biking, rock climbing, a university town of Ashland, hiking, sitting in a hammock and reading all are possible activities. We have a basketball hoop, hiking trails, books, and some musical instruments at the farm. We could pick up people either from the Medford airport or the Grants Pass Greyhound Bus depot. We look forward to hearing from anyone who would like to experience the difficult and rewarding work of farming! Peace!

Myrtle Glen Farm
OR (West)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1892

We are a 27 acre organic farm and forest in the foothills of the coast range of southern Oregon. Mostly pastureland with llamas, we have dreams of growing wine grapes, or other crops. There is an established orchard of Apples, Pears, Plums, Peaches, Cherries, Filberts, and Figs..and a large/market vegetable garden that is currently producing food for several families involved in work trade. The main house, with a large kitchen is open to use, has carefully tended cottage permacultured gardens surrounding it that bloom with many heritage plants and flowers. There is a large separate yoga/work-out studio, a digital project recording studio, satellite internet, unlimited long distance phone service, and a hot tub. Bordered by forest in various stages from 100 years old, the land is completely private and is a 20 minute scenic drive from the nearest town. There is a beautiful mountain creek that runs the length of the property, with an awesome swimming hole and endless opportunities for nature hiking adventures along it, as well as old growth forest a 30 min. drive into the mountains from the farm. The pacific ocean and world renown Oregon coast are an hour away. With the large vegetable garden(1/4 acre), and native tree nursery, there is ample opportunity to be involved in growing plants and food, from greenhouse, to lathe-house, to weeding and tending, to harvest. There is every kind of work available in the care and maintenance of an organic farm, as well as eco-forestry, construction, fence-building, compost building and animal care. There is another WWOOF farmstead nearby and we have get togethers commonly, as well as hold workshops on many subjects. There are two rooms available in the main house, a rustic cabin, and a 17’ dome tent (with wood floor)that can be warm weather rooming. Many incredible tent sites exist in complete privacy. Winter is wet, so we limit to one hardy couple or individual in the main guest room, though the rustic cabin is available for the adventurous. Spring(May-June) can accommodate at least 4 and summer up to 8. Lengths of stay are negotiable, though at least two weeks is recommended. No pets, there are plenty here. Kids welcome in the spring/summer. Ample parking for truck, trailer, camper or bus/home. Airport and bus station are an hour away, and transport can be arranged. On and off site during your stay is possible by ride sharing and networking. Come prepared to be early risers, help in home care, food prep(simple fare), and bring your own goodies. Work is 4-6 hours each day, with weekends free to adventure, explore and participate in what you want. We are actively involved in community eco-events and action projects, and wide open to suggestions, passions, and experience.

The Dharmalaya Center For Human Development

OR (West)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1233

Our center is on an acre of land in a residential setting, 2 blocks from the Willamette River in North Eugene. A brief description of organic activities (crops, projects, goals, etc.): We have an organic garden, 9 pear trees, 3 apple trees, 2 cherry trees, figs, grapes, baby plum and asian pear trees. We also have a variety of berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cascadeberries, thimbleberries, gooseberries, blackberries and currants) We are in the process of a conversion from a suburban lawn to a rich permaculture site. So far we have established some companion plant guilds under several of the fruit trees, herb spirals, extensive rainwater catchment with a pond and swale system, and constructed wetlands. Our goal is to create an inspiring oasis of diverse plant life with pathways leading to outdoor "rooms". The focus is on creating a forest garden of useable plants. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities. We could use help in the garden with everything from garden bed preparation and planting to harvesting and food preservation. Harvesting and processing the pears and apples is a big job in August/September. We have extensive opportunities with landscaping, creating pathways, pond building etc,. We have a beautiful strawbale building that hosts yoga classes, weekly group meditation, workshops, permaculture trainings, sufi dances and musical performances. We have also built a bathroom/shower facility with composting toilets and a gray water system that feeds into a constructed wetlands then into the pond. We will be doing more natural (eco) building, as we have an art studio, outdoor kitchen and solar greenhouse yet to build.* Suggested length of stay for volunteers: two weeks, open to other options.* Months of the year you accept volunteers (ie. do you take WWOOFers in ?Winter?): April through October* Accommodations (number and type): campground, dormitory with four rooms (sometimes unavailable during programs), bathroom/shower facility, kitchenette in strawbale building.* Non-Farm opportunities/ activities (alternative construction/ restoration project, alternative energy, etc): work on appropriate technology, such as building solar ovens, construction, possible office work, cleaning and upkeep, etc...* Expectations of work for WWOOFers : We would like positive, self- motivated, workers, willing to take on a variety of tasks. We would expect workers to work up to 5 hrs a day, 5 days a week.* Is transportation available?: We have a bus stop in front of our house and 2 blocks away there is a bike path stretching for miles along the scenic river which provides easy access to downtown Eugene and the University of Oregon. We often have extra bikes to borrow.* Languages spoken: English* Can you host children or pets?: possibly children; no to pets* Special diets?: We will only be able to provide vegetarian meals. We will provide basic food. You will be on your own for luxury foods or non-vegetarian fare.* Other specifics? We are a family of three, Ravi, Madhuliika, and 7 year old daughter, Asha who attends the local Waldorf School. We run the Dharmalaya Center. Ravi is an Acharya (meditation teacher in the yogic tradition) and is willing to teach those who are interested. Madhuliika is a high school teacher and teaches parent/child yoga classes at the center. Asha dances around a lot and creates grand adventures daily. We have a policy of no drug, alcohol or tobacco use on the property. We are particularly interested in extensive networking with sustainability activists.

Light Morning
VA (Southeast)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1226

Light Morning is a small community in the Blue Ridge mountains, about an hour south of Roanoke, Virginia. Our home serves as a practice center, a crucible, and as a vortex for mutual motivation and support. We strive to embody a paradigm which holds that everything and everyone around us shows us who we are. This world-view challenges us to take radical responsibility for our lives. It also encourages us to recreate our world from the inside out. ~~~ Visitors and interns immerse themselves in the daily life of Light Morning during the warmer months of the year, seeking (as do we) a graceful balance between maintaining an inward focus (through such practices as meditation, dream work, etc.) and engaging in the delightful busyness of gardening, building projects, firewood, orchards, landscaping, and the hosting of weekly potluck gatherings, occasional wild plant walks or permaculture events, and individual meditation retreats. ~~~ It’s a rich, full life, and the volunteer energy provided by our visitors and interns (4 to 5 hours a day, 5 days a week) helps make it possible. We, in turn, offer our 35 years of experience in off-grid, organic, do-it/grow-it/build-it yourself living; a beautiful environment in which to learn more about oneself and Light Morning; a chance to participate in a service-based group endeavor; and an opportunity to sense the paradoxical tension between self-sufficiency and personal autonomy, on the one hand, and interdependence and collective effort, on the other. ~~~ You’re welcome to visit Light Morning for a week or two, to see how the way of life that?s evolving here is increasingly relevant to many of the social and economic challenges of these times. Or you may be drawn to intern for a month or two in order to explore Light Morning’s lifestyle, core values, and founding vision in greater depth. ~~~ To learn more about both of these options, or to contact us, please visit our web site.

Shelter Skelter Wilderness Farm
AK (West)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1250

My farm is outside of Juneau. It is a beautiful, wet and wonderful piece of property, very remote (2 hour kayak from Auke Bay), no cars, very little electricity (solar power). We raise vegetables in raised beds, live outdoors all summer. We are working on a small timber frame cabin, and have progressed enough with it to move in! Accommodation for WWOOFers is a big wall tent perched up on the mountain with views of the ocean and the whole music of night. Or if you prefer, you can bring your own tent and use one of the tent platforms. Hot tub under the stars, pavilion kitchen, outhouse in the blueberry bushes. Work includes gardening, soil building, pioneering, building projects, carrying materials from the beach, firewood, and many other creative projects. Volunteers must enjoy the simple things in life, be quite fit, ready to rough it, love to work. 5 hours of work per day in exchange for really good vegetarian and Alaska wild food. Absolute minimum stay 1 week, although you will be just settling in and figuring the place out after a week, so 2 weeks or more is better! Good dogs welcome, children not out of the question, no smoking please. All are welcome, gay people especially so. Call ahead so we can arrange transport. I speak fluent English, Spanish, German, Hungarian, and dabble in French. I hosted over 20 volunteers last year and consider my volunteer community the true wealth of my project.

Freedom-Universe
AZ (West)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1255

Freedom-Universe is an Egalitarian Intentional Community/Family on 40 rural acres in the north central Arizona high country (5200' above sea level). The project originator is kya (aka Frank U. Farmer) who is also the current contact for WWOOFer's. The "y" in kya is pronounced as a long i as in sky. (Ki uh) This community is being built on a foundation of interpersonal relationships based on shared values such as Conviviality, Social Tolerance, Equality, Honesty, and Non-Violence. Environmental and economic sustainability is being pursued using renewable energy, sustainable building materials & techniques, permaculture, and organic/bio-dynamic gardening. As of 9/10/2009 an additional organic garden bed has been sited, and initial work has been started. Preparation of garden beds and some planting for Fall, 2009 has been done. The building of a greenhouse is slated between present and Spring, 2010, if folks are inspired to come and share their labor. Food crops are the main focus. A current list of work projects, which include sustainable building (passive solar/thermal mass structures using earth bags and earth packed used automobile tires), sustainable energy (installation of additional PV panels to the existing array), as well as the organic garden, can be emailed on request. My main strengths are in the areas of sustainable energy and thermal mass structures, and while my gardening knowledge is not as strong, I am happy to share whatever knowledge I have about any subject. (I do not support the concept of intellectual property rights). Due to the remoteness (72 miles from both Prescott or Flagstaff, AZ), folks should plan to stay a minimum of two weeks, and longer would be OK. Year round accommodations may sometimes be available, depending on new membership population. Current accommodations: a 2BR/1 Bath 14' x 56' single wide mobile home, a 40' x 8' wide RV trailer, plus a 16' RV trailer. There is also plenty of camping space for the warmer months (Spring-Fall). Also due to the remoteness, there is no cell phone signal strength at Freedom-Universe, though a 35 minute hike 1000' up a close by ridge will get you enough signal strength to call out. Satellite internet is operational, but Vonnage/Skype type telephone services do not work well with satellite speeds of 512 kbps, due to the time lag caused by the signal having to travel 44,000 miles round trip to satellite and back. This makes email the best form of communication. There is a town trip one day each week to Prescott, AZ to help with the Karma Farms community garden project and run errands. It is an overnight trip which involves couch surfing with your sleeping bag and meeting lots of interesting Prescott College students studying all aspects of environmental sustainability. Cell phone signal and internet are available during this trip. The work pace is relaxed (4-5 hours per day on community projects) with emphasis on good communication around interpersonal relationships. English is the native language. There are no accommodations for children or pets at this time. Most diet needs can be met. I am omnivorous, but I eat a lot of raw fruit and vegetables. Tobacco use is prohibited. The Fellowship For Intentional Communities (FIC) on line directory listing for Freedom-Universe is *http://directory.ic.org/records/?action=view&page=view&record_id=20236* and the URL for Freedom-Universe is *http://www.freedom-universe.org/*

Fort Awesome
CA (West)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1177

Urban Community: We are a cooperative community (Co-Op) of 15 people. We try to maintain a 50/50 gender ratio. Interests and focuses are: bio-diesel propulsion, organic urban gardening, jamming out on the front porch, many levels of timber home construction. Accommodation in outside either in tent or other shelter. We are interested in efficient, low-impact, environmentally sustainable urban living and would be very interested in hosting to WWOOFers to both inspire and learn from them. 6 hrs/day, 5 days/week. Transport by bike, BART, bus, car, etc. Vetetarian meals OK. Languages spoken: Norwegian & Spanish.

Dandelion Sustainability Farm

CA (West)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1078

109 Pristine Acres in N. Calif. with fresh air, seasonal creeks and deep rich farmland. Beautiful remote views, rich wildlife habitat, bicycling, swimming and miles of hiking trails. Dandelion Farm has for 30 yrs been developing its permaculture gardens, orchards, ponds and much, MUCH more. Located 2 1/2 hours North of San Francisco. We are a non profit approaching our goal to create a uniquely beautiful and sustainable living institute, to demonstrate and educate within a wide range of sustainable living modalities in a SHOWCASE of inspired ART. A tour of our website will give you a taste of the uniqueness of Dandelion (www.dandelionfarm.org). Volunteers share the warm farm family atmosphere and help in exchange for their stay with No Till gardening, nat. building, and art projects (welding for previously experienced). We work to integrate your skill and interests into our projects. Healthful vegan meals from the garden, mostly shared spaces, 2 per room, usually from 2-5 volunteers. Typical age range is 24-32. Reimbursement of expenses for long stays with builder, head gardener, etc skills. Our season is year around, weather permitting, closing in very uncomfortable weather. Sorry no pets or children. Our spiritual orientation embraces all ages, sexual preferences, races and creeds encouraging sharing, cooperation and harmony with all, nurturing the spirit of self giving in service to our planet. Foreign volunteers from around the world improve their English skills while all enjoy the cultural exchange.

Cosmic Dance Permaculture
CA (West)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1013

We are about paradigm shift on every level, primarily spiritual, but also mental, emotional, physical and sensual. Here we move from me to we, from the present to the eternal, from the ego mind to the "source". Being nourished py plants, the forrest, gardens, meaningful works, love, respect, creativity and one another, we ascend, and effortlessly evolve and transform into our natural state of peace, joy and surrender to the mystery of it all. CDP is an experiment in discovering the keys to co-creation with nature, living lightly on the land, while utilizing tools and materials which can help us reduce dependence on petrol and industry. There is a long way to go! But we are now nearly 100% solar powered, and even heat our hot tub with wood and sunshine. We mill local logs for lumber, and build small and simple structures for housing ourselves. We have a functional and funky outdoor kitchen in a large greenhouse, there is a small library, a sweet fire circle for evening gatherings, an unfinished woofer cabin/dorm, sewing machine, guitars, drums. The kitchen has tons of bulk foods and the garden now has lots of figs, citrus, guavas, jujubes, and avocados ripening. There are plenty of redwoods, madrones, fir and tanoak here on the 20 acre farm. We made 20 gallons of plum wine this month and 15 gallons of apple cider, several gallons of kombucha, too many fig/flax bars, and rainbows of dried apples and figs. This year, 2008, we built a small barn with a dance floor, and we are now redesigning, revitalizing and terracing the veggie garden. We also doubled the size of our battery bank, and added more solar panels. We are also rewiring and upgrading the electrical so we have 240vac to run wood shop tools and welding equipment. Our final big project of the year is a real woodshop/art studio, and we hope to have the roof on before new years... SO we are in need of folks willing to lend a hand in the garden redisign/terracing, as well as those wishing to learn some construction skills and increase this knowledge. We like folks to work 25-30 hrs a week, but some of this will be meeting and food prep time, and the work is generally fun and easy. We usually begin between 9-10 am, work til 1, then break for lunch, then do an afternoon sesssion from 2:30 til 5:30 or so. Future projects include several treehouses, suspension bridges, platforms and maybe a zipline or two. Please bring a sleeping bag, foam pad, water bottle, shoes, gloves, LED headlamp, towel, instruments and don’t forget your toothbrush and big smiles! Peace!

Lotus Garden Meditation Center

CA (West)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/943

We are a Yoga and Meditation Retreat Center in northern California with 2 wooded acres of organic, medicinal, and culinary herbs and vegetables, plus fruit trees, flower gardens, greenhouses, waterfalls, and koi ponds. We are working towards urban self-sufficiency. You will be helping with a variety of tasks: landscaping, planting, weeding, harvesting, composting, pruning, and helping to create a serene and natural, yet well-maintained, environment. In addition to your time in the garden, you may also participate in Hatha yoga, t’ai chi, chi kung, meditation classes, and weekly gatherings. People interested in self-realization and spiritual life will enjoy the atmosphere. The Center has no smoking, drinking, drugs, or meat on the premises. Vegetarian meals provided. Location: 12 miles from Sacramento, 2 hours from Lake Tahoe and San Francisco, 10 minute walk to the American River and Trails for great swimming and hiking

Ananda Marga Peach Farm And Meditation Center
CA (West)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/937

Ananda Marga Peach Farm (Ananda Dham Organic Peach Farm) is about an hour and ten minutes north of Los Angeles, in the Angeles National Forest. We part of a non profit meditation and social service organization with many different farms around the world. Our farm is a member of CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) and has been in operation since 1993. All work is done by volunteers. Dadajii, a yoga monk, is in charge of the daily farming operations while other members living in Los Angeles handle sales and marketing. We have about 2,000 peach trees that normally bloom in March and get harvested in September/October. We plant up to 25,000 globe and Japanese eggplants in the spring and harvest throughout summer and fall. Other crops are; melons, tomatoes, okra, bitter gourd and string beans. We also have cherry trees, asian pears, grapes and pluots. We provide free room and board. Hours are sometimes flexible and we work according to capacity, where conditions range from intense to laid back, depending on time of year and/or day of the week. Daily work may consist of the following: transplanting, spreading compost, foliar spraying, weeding, mulching, picking, packing, transportation, using the tractor, roto-tilling, pruning, dormant spraying, irrigation, anti-frost prevention, fertigation, construction, t-tape repair, cover crops etc. We follow a strict vegetarian diet and encourage people to practice meditation and yoga. Free instruction are available. We sincerely hope that if you decide to intern at our farm, you will have a sense of community spirit that we see as vital to a loving flow. Please let us know of any specific questions you might have about our farm or organization. If by this brief description we have caught your interest, kindly send us your resume including, if any, experience in yoga and meditation, farming etc. We are looking forward to hearing from you.


Giving Earth Farm
ID (west)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1920

Our farm is located on 30 acres of typical North Idaho forest/meadow land. Organic garden area is about 2 acres (garden, orchard, bee hives). We are a young farm experimenting with organic/biodynamic farming methods. We will be growing zucchini, cucumber, potatoes, onions, carrots, squash/pumpkin, corn. We also have young apple, pear and cherry trees. Bee hives are also located on our land in exchange for honey. May have egg layer chickens. For the 2009 season, we will be constructing a greenhouse and raised beds for future plots. We have fence repair too. Our goal is to provide for/sustain our immediate family (including volunteers) and sell produce at our local farmers market. Stay 1 month or longer, other arrangements may be made if required/requested. Stay for the summer season, April-October (weather depending). We can accommodate up to 4 volunteers. Bring your own tent, communal kitchen provided, outhouse and solar shower. We are currently constructing housing/cabin for 4 (shared housing). We may also have wall tents available and/or camper trailer. Contact us for arrangements prior to stay. We are interested in constructing a windmill to supply power (in conjunction with solar) to our farm office, future volunteer housing and shop. We would like to construct cabins/communal buildings using green/earthen material. We have 20+ acres of forest that will continuously need forestry work. Have creek to supply irrigation/hydro power. People with building experience/creativity encouraged to join us…let’s construct a sauna, mud oven, tree houses etc. We also hope to offer yoga, meditation and life journeys…people on spiritual paths encouraged to join us too. Work is 25 hours/week. We are able to transport volunteers to/from local Amtrak. Farm is located about 5 miles from town (biking distance). However, if we are driving to town, volunteers are welcome to join us (transportation to/from town about twice a week may be available with prior arrangement) English is the primary language. Spanish, Italian and German spoken poorly. All language’s are invited to apply…we will learn to communicate. Children possible with prior arrangements made. No pets please. Couples encouraged to apply. We serve one communal vegetarian meal/week. Prefer vegetarian/vegan volunteers. However, what you choose to eat off the premises is your choice. Volunteers have their own garden plot and are welcome to surplus vegetables/fruit/honey/eggs. Communal kitchen provided. Future volunteers encouraged to visit our website for more detailed info and apply for volunteer position directly through this site.

Open Ground
KY (Southeast)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/2166

Once a family farm, this End-of-the-road, 97-acre homestead is now the base for humanitarian services to marginalized and special need populations wanting a greater voice. Primary attention is given to modeling healthy interdependence with bio- and human communities. Workshops center on environmental, cultural, and expressive arts, and serve all ages - see the website (above) for background and program information. We are a grassroots organization, have no paid office or upkeep staff, and the core of the host family consists of two people, an elderly dad and his young son, who rely on the support of friends and volunteers. Open Ground is in east-central Kentucky's rolling Appalachian foothills, on the small and beautiful Oma Chaplin River. Bottom lands and pastures, fruit and nut orchards, arbors, raised beds of vegetables, and ground beds of berries and herbs are fully, passively organic, invite interaction with all comers, and provide about half the food we need year-round. We raise seedlings in a greenhouse, graft and bud trees, use companion gardening practices, and freeze, can, and dry foods. Chickens give us eggs, the pond provides fish, we are reestablishing a small herd of goats for milk and cheese, and neighbors are generous with fruits they no longer harvest. We lack, and want, grain and dairy programs. Historically over-grazed fields have a clay base, good for making pottery if not the supper served on it. The place, program, and fluid community are pretty much completely integrated. Self-starting WWOOFers are needed at every step - sharing awareness and experience, vision and dreams, perspectives and talents. Work in gardens, and maybe office, includes good communication, research, planning, construction and maintenance. Vegans and omnivores are welcome, and musicians, storytellers, and teachers are especially so. Housing includes private bedroom, dorm, and camping. It is a mile to our mailbox, 7 to a crossroads market, 20 to feta cheese or building materials, 35 or 40 to a city of any size, and 3 hours to Mammoth Cave or the heart of the Appalachians. Stipends are not available unless you are an effective fund raiser, which is not asked.

Restoration Gardens

MN (Central)

http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/1895

The land has a wide open space for gardens and many beautiful trees for shade and fruit. Our land is beautiful and is only a short walk to a lovely river with rocky overhangs. Restoration gardens was founded in 2004 as a way for us to put down roots and develop a genuine connection to the land. We grow a wide variety of vegetable, grain, small fruit and tree fruit crops, including strawberries, raspberries, sweet corn, millet, tomatoes, asparagus, watermelons and pumpkins. We are organic and incorporate permaculture principles when possible. We have many pets, including 4 dogs, 4 cats and 4 ducks. We practice crop rotation, water conservation, ecological diversity, wildlife conservation and peaceful co-existence. Volunteers are welcome to stay any amount of time that suits them and us, Volunteers from March through October We have a gorgeous wood-paneled room with lots of light and windows. Big enough for up to 3 people. We also have a small shed with less privacy, but clean and suitable and lots of tenting space. We are very interested in constructing a solar shower, outhouse, chicken coop and solar hot water systems this year. Anyone interested in prairie restoration would also be very helpful. Pernell is a former wwofer who ended up on some not-so-pleasant farms in Europe. So, I can assure you that you won't be treated like a slave or expected to work long hours with no food! I would ask for 4 to 6 hours per day, with a wide range of possible activities that we would agree upon in advance. We are flexible and open to different schedules. We are very interested in teaching our volunteers the essence of organic food production, not just using you for cheap labor. And, if you have something to teach us, we would love that too. Some minor transportation could be provided. English, small amount of Spanish Children would be welcome, pets possible. We eat vegetarian mostly, but don't object to others preparing their own meat. We are excited about the possibility of having you come to our farm. We are open, honest, friendly and fun. Our family is headed by two women and we have 3 Hispanic/American children adopted from foster care. We have a great fire pit out back and a wonderful deck that we try to make good use of during warm weather. Our place is quiet and peaceful and would be a great spot for someone wanting to farm or build and connect with the earth.

James Creek Farm
CA (West)
http://www.wwoofusa.org/farms/933

We maintain a one-acre garden at 4000' on a very remote ridge above the Carmel Valley on the central coast. Our property borders the Ventana Wilderness Area. We grow exclusively for the Tassajara Zen Buddhist Monastery located a further 45 minutes out a steep and windy dirt road. We are 100% solar powered, including the well, swimming pool and all residences. We grow salad mix, tomatoes, eggplant, hot and sweet peppers, garlic, strawberries, many tree fruits and have a gorgeous glass greenhouse for propagation. We are on the way to becoming a retreat and teaching center and some work prepares for this. For now, work is mainly in the garden, harvesting and bed and building maintenance. Some building skills are also appreciated. Stay at least one week and be prepared for the isolated although luxurious environment. Stay in our yurt, cabin (if available), remote trailer, or BYO camp. We are a very tidy farm, Alan Chadwick inspired and maximize bio-intensity in our garden. We are also low impact, (no pets, meat or alcohol), preserving the integrity of this marvelous,fire susceptible land. We'll be happy to pick you up at least at the end of the pavement, if not Salinas or Monterey. Come work with us and enjoy the mountain lifestyle. Queer friendly. No alcohol or tobacco please.