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Help create a self-sustainable community on my desert ranch in Apple Valley, California
Last activity
: 5 Aug 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 4 days
Min stay requested: at least 1 month
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 324591269151
Website Safety
Feedback (12)
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
I would 100% recommend this placement to anyone, Jonathan was a great host and was a pleasure to be in his company, the ranch is beautiful and I enjoyed spending time looking after the animals he has and spending time with Jonathan and the other workaways, we went on lots of days out, Joshua and Big Bear national parks, we spent a couple of nights
… read more in Vagas, and he also cooked some really nice meals too. Jonathan and the ranch is a very special place, I feel like I have made friends for life there and can't wait to go back and visit againYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
John was the perfect Workawayer! He was extremely helpful, learned the animal routine with ease, and was very affectionate and careful with my animals. He is also very easy to get alone with! I will definitely be having him back at the ranch!
I stayed with Jonathan for 3 months, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. From day one, I felt welcomed and appreciated. The work was rewarding and varied – I helped with both animal care and some really enjoyable carpentry projects. Jonathan made sure I was always well fed and looked after, and the living conditions were comfortable and
… read more relaxed.
One of the highlights of my time there was getting the chance to explore the surrounding areas – including unforgettable trips to Joshua Tree and Big Bear Mountain. The mix of meaningful work, great company, and the chance to see some stunning parts of California made this a Workaway unforgettable.
Highly recommend
Troy is a great carpenter. He volunteered at my ranch and built a really nice deck for one of my tiny houses. He completed his hours every week and is very social and outgoing. Highly recommend.
Left by Workawayer (Clément & Gabin) for host
It was such a great pleasure to spend over a month at Jonathan’s house. We enjoyed so many great moments thanks to him.
The work is not too complicated and not too long.
If you’re looking to volunteer in the US, you should definitely try this one!”
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Clément & Gabin)
Clément & Gabin were the perfect Workaway pair. They always showed up ready to work with smiles on their faces. They are really great at organization and taking care of the animals. They helped with various tasks around my ranch including painting, spreading rocks, and cleaning. There was no task they could not handle. I would highly recommend!
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (John) for host
I would 100% recommend this placement to anyone, Jonathan was a great host and was a pleasure to be in his company, the ranch is beautiful and I enjoyed spending time looking after the animals he has and spending time with Jonathan and the other workaways, we went on lots of days out, Joshua and Big Bear national parks, we spent a couple of nights
… read more in Vagas, and he also cooked some really nice meals too. Jonathan and the ranch is a very special place, I feel like I have made friends for life there and can't wait to go back and visit againYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (John)
John was the perfect Workawayer! He was extremely helpful, learned the animal routine with ease, and was very affectionate and careful with my animals. He is also very easy to get alone with! I will definitely be having him back at the ranch!
I stayed with Jonathan for 3 months, and it was an absolutely amazing experience. From day one, I felt welcomed and appreciated. The work was rewarding and varied – I helped with both animal care and some really enjoyable carpentry projects. Jonathan made sure I was always well fed and looked after, and the living conditions were comfortable and
… read more relaxed.
One of the highlights of my time there was getting the chance to explore the surrounding areas – including unforgettable trips to Joshua Tree and Big Bear Mountain. The mix of meaningful work, great company, and the chance to see some stunning parts of California made this a Workaway unforgettable.
Highly recommend
Troy is a great carpenter. He volunteered at my ranch and built a really nice deck for one of my tiny houses. He completed his hours every week and is very social and outgoing. Highly recommend.
Left by Workawayer (Clément & Gabin) for host
It was such a great pleasure to spend over a month at Jonathan’s house. We enjoyed so many great moments thanks to him.
The work is not too complicated and not too long.
If you’re looking to volunteer in the US, you should definitely try this one!”
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Clément & Gabin)
Clément & Gabin were the perfect Workaway pair. They always showed up ready to work with smiles on their faces. They are really great at organization and taking care of the animals. They helped with various tasks around my ranch including painting, spreading rocks, and cleaning. There was no task they could not handle. I would highly recommend!
Left by Workawayer (Edoardo) for host
The best experience there could be! Jonathan was a great host, he will always make sure you have everything you need.
He is a special person that you can find very few around.
His ranch is beautiful.
You will take care of his animals and his cats that are so sweet and playful!
An experience that I recommend to anyone who is looking for a place
… read more to have fun.
It helped me a lot to have a time out from the hectic life and to find myself.
I highly recommend this experience to anyone!Left by host for Workawayer (Edoardo)
Edo was a great volunteer! He helped with various tasks around the ranch and took care of my cat Cali when I was away. There was no job that he could not handle and he always showed up ready to work. He is very kind and polite. I would highly recommend!
Left by Workawayer (Nick & Jean-Baptiste) for host
He was a super nice host. He took us to a lot of places and gave us an unforgettable experience. We really enjoyed working with the animals and playing whit his mother. The accommodation was very clean and nice. The animals are very friendly as much as anything else on the ranch human or animal. If I am around again I would be very happy to come
… read more back.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Nick & Jean-Baptiste)
Nick and JB were a great team to host. They both arrived with positive attitudes and a strong work ethic, making a significant impact on the ranch. Nick and JB were reliable and hardworking. Together, they made sure all of my animals were taken care of, safe, and had all of their needs met. They even played card games with my Mom and kept her
… read more company.
On top of being excellent workers, they were respectful, fun to be around, and blended well with the community here. I’d gladly host them again and highly recommend them to any future hosts looking for responsible and motivated helpers.
Left by host for Workawayer (Shannon)
Shanni was an absolute joy to host! She approached every task with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, whether it was caring for the animals, helping around the yard, or assisting with events. Her dedication and work ethic were outstanding, and she quickly became an integral part of our team. Beyond her skills, Shanni is kind, thoughtful, and a
… read more great communicator, making her a pleasure to have around. She also showed genuine care for everyone here, including my Mom, which was so appreciated. We would welcome her back in a heartbeat and highly recommend her to any future hosts!
Left by Workawayer (Shannon) for host
An amazing workaway with lots of variety! Each day is different and engaging. I have learnt to care for chickens, an ostrich, an emu and a llama. I have also helped with yard work, events, cleaning, providing company for Jonathan's mum and more! The ranch is a tranquil oasis that gives you time to reflect and focus on personal hobbies you would
… read more otherwise not have time for. Jonathan is an amazing host and makes sure you have everything you need to have a good work exchange experience.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Blythe & Charlie) for host
What a great first Workaway experience! Jonathan is such an incredibly kind, generous, and welcoming host and his ranch is just as wonderful. The work was interesting and varied and we were never micro-managed. I would absolutely recommend Jonathan's ranch to anyone looking to live a bit more slowly and enjoy the natural beauty of southern
… read more California. We loved getting to hang out with all the people and animals, and we really cherished our time here! :)You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Blythe & Charlie)
Blythe & Charlie were perfect Workawayers! On workdays they showed up on time and ready to work. They completed all sorts of tasks around the ranch and were always up for learning a new skill. They even helped out on their days off. They are both really kind and respectful, they kept their accommodations clean, and were easy to work with. They are
… read more both welcome back anytime!
Left by host for Workawayer (Can)
Can was a wonderful workawayer. He was very helpful, and always up for learning a new skill. He is very friendly and got along well with everyone at the ranch. He is always welcome here!
Left by Workawayer (Can) for host
It was a great experience to work in a California ranch. Jonathan and his mother hosted me well. It was a very comfortable place, the job was fun. I like the people who volunteered there. We ate together and watched movies in the evenings. They have beautiful cats and chickens. Thank you for everything John. I wish you the best !
You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Angel & Roger were the perfect workawayers. They went above & beyond with helping out around the ranch and spending time with my Mom, which was really important to me. They definitely left their mark on the ranch!
It was really hard to say goodbye at the the end of our stay. Jonathan has cultivated a great space and friendly atmosphere at his ranch. There is really something special about this place, and we'll definitely be back.
Left by Workawayer (Dimitri ) for host
Jonathan responded quick on my request and was open minded about my stay. He is such a welcoming, kind and warm person. I felt a bit lost in this period beeing away from my family and facing some challenges, but it felt safe to be arround his place that time and he was supportive and taughtfull. Wish I could have stayed longer and could have done
… read more more for her ranch to become the place he pictures himself🙏🏽❤️You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Millie) for host
Jonathan was an incredibly giving and flexible host! He ensured his Workawayers were comfortable and had everything they needed from the first day. He always responded quickly via text if we had any questions while he was away, and once he returned home, he welcomed us to stay and allowed us to continue helping him on his beautiful ranch. I got to
… read more take care of his chickens and cats, all of whom I fell in love with! Jonathan made sure everyone had access to anything they needed - and shared his own space with all of us to ensure we felt at home! If you want to help out a wonderful man and need a beautiful place to stay - this ranch is the place to be! Beautiful setting, gracious host, sweet animals - what more do you need?You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by host for Workawayer (Millie)
Millie stayed at my ranch for about 4 months. She was able to learn the entire animal routine in a matter of 2 days. She was super attentive, on time, caring and down right on top of it! She has extensive experience caring for animals and it shows! While I was away she took my animals to vet visits, emergency visits, and administered their
… read more medications. She fed them, cleaned up after them and give them plenty of love and attention. Not only did she help with the animals, she helped with other random tasks around the ranch as well. She was always clean, respectful and courteous. She always has a home here and we will miss her!
Left by Workawayer (Haley & Bennet) for host
Where to even begin?
There aren’t powerful enough words to depict just how amazing of a host Jonathan is and how serene the ranch feels. Jonathan and his ranch have provided us with both healing we didn’t know we needed and opportunity to grow our skills and passions in a safe and inclusive space.
The Host:
Genuinely kind hearted and a great
… read more leader. He is spiritual and full of knowledge and experience to help cultivate a healthy relationship with your body and mind. He is a goal oriented person who has helped us during a transitional time while we have helped him with odd skilled labor jobs to contribute to bringing his dreams to life. A lover of animals, he continues to rescue, foster and has many pets of his own who are just the sweetest beings.
The Ranch:
Surrounded by mountains in all directions, the start and end to each day feel incredibly special as the watercolor skies are a special treat. Jonathan has been truly building a peaceful habitat where community and nature collectively come together to create a harmonious dynamic.
Anyone who is fortunate to cross paths with Jonathan and/or experience his ranch would consider themselves lucky.
11/10 ✨💖You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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Information for those planning to visit the US
If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
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