Be inspired to create beauty and order with us in the Intag valley of Ecuador

Details

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  Description

  The ongoing work of creating greater beauty and order here in this eco-agriculture demonstration farm in a remote corner of the Andes of northern Ecuador, is a grateful answer to the questions, “How can I best serve a vital change? How can I serve life? “ What we can explain is limited, compared to what we can convey by example and transmit by doing. We have the exalted privilege to daily explore what it means to create for the highest good, while playing with unlimited possibilities. Others need not to be convinced to change; being surrounded by visual example and the frequency of inspired action is sufficient to implant a desire to create something better. We celebrate the opportunity to experiment with and demonstrate a much needed new model of agriculture, that in reality is a rediscovery and deeper exploration of ancient wisdom. Most of my neighbors here in Intag, an area known for its many clear cool rocky rivers, steep green mountains and abundant bird life, earn their living on small family farms, persisting with a model of “modern “ agriculture even though challenged by the cost and toxicity of purchased inputs. Truly sustainable ways of growing food optimize the health and diversity of the life of the soil. When soil life is balanced, plants have constant availability to nutrients so naturally are resistant to insects and diseases, and produce nutrient-dense food and store away carbon in the soil. Plant-available nutrients are held in this dynamic system and are not lost to ground and surface water. We enhance soil biology by minimizing tillage, protecting the soil with mulches and cover crops, making and applying a range of native microorganism rich “bio-fertilizantes”, and including trees into the growing systems, and more.
  As a volunteer you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth, and may be inspired to create similar examples of living growing systems as some of our previous volunteers from more than 16 countries have done. You'll learn all about our practices for enhancing our planet's soil. You will connect with native, indigenous food and medicinal plants, apiculture (bees), aquaculture (fish), ecological building practices, and much more.
  The natural world thrives by cooperation and so do we. Together we can be a gentle and still powerful influence for the healing and renewing of our planet and ourselves.
  "You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete." R. Buckminster Fuller

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals
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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

  Kerry has a degree in agronomy from Auburn University in the US, has worked as an architectural designer for most of his professional life, and has been studying and practicing organic gardening and natural healing and wellness for more than 3 decades. Proving the functionality of regenerative agriculture practices in this place, to be able to share what works with neighbors and beyond is a current passion.

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  Help

  Our days are filled with planting, mulching, harvesting, and all things related to exploration of the potential we have for growing great food and enhancing biodiversity. Help with food preparation, and clean up is always needed. We mainly eat vegetarian, lots of our own beans, greens and fruit, but we do also have beef raised on our pasture and our own fish, dairy and eggs. We welcome those with construction skills, since there always seems to be something waiting to be built.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

  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

  You will have your own bedroom and shared kitchen. All meals are provided with the understanding that with food available, you may have to make breakfast and some dinners for yourself. The most rustic element for some will be using the dry-composting toilet system. We do have running water and a hot shower. Much of our nearly 80 acres (32 hectares ) is steep native forest, with walking trails and sizable waterfalls to explore. There are also community work days and gatherings from time to time we’ll be joining.
  Please note: We’ve learned that coming for less than two weeks just doesn’t work for us so we need for you to be able to be here for two weeks minimum. We may consider inviting you as a volunteer for less than two weeks if you’re coming with special agricultural expertise (you have your own market garden, have soil microscopy skills, you are a large animal veterinarian, etc.) and your schedule limits you.

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  What else ...

  Are you a good fit for this experience?
  
  Do you enjoy rising early to take in the sights and sounds of the newly emerging day? (Or would you rather sleep late and stay connected to your phone?)
  
  Do you value the chance to advance something beautiful through daily hard work and appreciate opportunities to expand your physical limits? (Or do you hold back from full participation while watching others do the heavy lifting?)
  
  Are you an eager observer of what is going on around you while seeking to contribute to the work and living-together environment? (Or is your vision limited by a narrow self-interest?)
  
  Do you have farm experience and a strong curiosity to learn more about regenerative agriculture and living? (Or are you just passing through and would like to save money on food and lodging?)
  
  I think you know who we’re looking for.
  
  PS….If you’re accepted and we have made a plan for you to come, and for some reason your plan needs to change and you cannot come, please communicate right away so I can fill the spot with another waiting hopeful volunteer! Gracias !

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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