Help us restore a historic diverse animal farm and adapt to the ecological crises in Sonoma county, Cali, USA

Details

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  Description

  Hello there traveler! Let us first introduce ourselves: We are the Smiths... grandfather Kent(85) (grandmother recently passed away in december), my father Roy(53), and I am Siena(19). We are a frugal family, happy to share our beautiful property and meet new people.
  
  We are repairing and replanting a historic mixed animal farm in the heart of Sonoma county, less than an hour from San Francisco. Our farm uses traditional and regenerative practices to restore the health of the land and adapt to the ecological crises. Our goal is to provide food for the family, wildlife, and local community, and we are developing hedgerows, orchards, veg gardens, and animal lines suitable for our region.
  
  A stay here is ideal for those who are interested in low-energy, traditional, and modern farming methods. We value curiosity, those who are highly organized, and interested in simple, alternative ways of living.
  
  Guest travelers will help plant trees, fix up buildings, and tend to animal care. You will not be expected to contribute to any form of business or market activities.
  
  We are located between urban areas, and have easy freeway access to the whole Bay Area. Thirty minutes drive to the coast or wine production areas.
  
  We look forward to occasional outings with you, including hiking and sightseeing, as well as campfire potlucks and chats.
  
  
  
  OUR PRIMARY GOALS FOR 2024: fixing the house, working on hedgerows, and cleaning up the property.
  
  Projects include:
  - Daily feeding of chickens, pigs, sheep, donkeys, dogs, geese, and cats.
  - Walking and brushing of donkeys. (a workawayer favorite)
  - Basic carpentry and building projects.
  - Planting and care of crops.
  
  We have hundreds of trees to create hedgerows with. Pleasant and rewarding work.
  
  Our Farm - "Yesterdays Traditions, Today's Health, Tomorrow's Hope"
  
  ** Because both I and my father are too busy currently, we cannot make meals for workawayers. You will be provided with basic food but will have to cook for yourself most of the time (there is a full kitchen in the trailer)

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Help with Eco Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  General Maintenance
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Travelers have the opportunity to witness and practice biodynamic and permaculture methods of land restoration, to learn a variety of practical farm skills, to witness managed grazing methods, to learn about animal husbandry, and to consider a local response to the global climate and ecological predicament.
  Sonoma County is rich in cultural evens, music, micro breweries, wineries, cycling and coastal parks.
  We expect visitors to have plenty of time to relax and explore.

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  Help

  Animal care is year round.
  
  December/January
  Winter tree care, including mulching, rooting, weeding, and planting bulbs.
  Possible cleanup and carpentry work and farm building restoration
  
  February/March:
  Building restoration work
  Chicken care
  Tree planting, fencing
  
  April/May
  Haying
  Mixed carpentry (apprentice level)
  Fencing
  Vegetable gardening
  
  June/July
  Finish putting up hay
  Water and irrigation systems
  Tree watering and mulching

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  German: Intermediate
  Italian: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  We have a 40ft trailer that can sleep 4 people (one double bed and two bunk beds), but is best for a single or a couple. Full kitchen + living area. Compost toilet outhouse, and indoor and outdoor solar showers.
  Camping spots available.

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  What else ...

  This property is perfect for people who desire access to the greater Bay Area. We are minutes from the main freeway, easily reached from San Francisco international airport, and walking distance from the local town and shops, as well as a train station and buses.
  
  Fun things to do with us:
  - Archery
  - hikes and rock climbing at the beach
  - going to San Fransisco via train and ferry
  - hikes around nearby hills and parks
  - target practice and all sorts of other fun games
  
  You will not be expected to contribute to any form of business or market activities.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have decent internet connection over most of the buildings. Cafes and places with free wifi are also within walking distance.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Seasonally we can host people with campervans/motorhomes. It gets very wet and muddy here, and so summer time is the best time if you want to be able to get your vehicle out of the field.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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