Canadian Adventure in the Kootenays, Canada

Details

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  Description

  We live on a beautiful acreage in the Creston Valley, nestled in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. Between our outdoorsy adventure lifestyle, both myself and Wade work in Natural Resource Stewardship and Sustainability, are raising three teen boys, planning a certified organic cider orchard and whatever next exciting opportunity that we come up with.
  
  We have three key projects for this year:
  
  Dead Horse (Dodds) Creek Restoration Project - For decades Dead Horse Creek has been neglected and used as a dumping ground for residential and agricultural waste. Debris from farmland clearing was pushed into the creek and invasive species have moved in. Up stream and down stream of our property the creek has been culverted, channelized, and subject to heavy pesticide/herbicide use. Farming is sustainable and compatible with other values including biodiversity and clean water ecosystems and one of our first priorities is to start a restoration project on our property by:
  
  Removing residential and agricultural waste
  Removing excessive biomass debris
  Removing invasive species
  Enhancing aquatic and riparian habitat
  Establishing a wildlife corridor
  
  Back Field Expansion Project - We are expanding the agricultural potential of our back field this year for our future cider orchard. At some point in the last 120 years the land had been cleared but currently the area is a tangle of burdock, gone-wild cherry trees and scrub. We are clearing the land up to the coniferous trees that we will be leaving as part of the wildlife corridors we are maintaining. Work will include cutting trees and bucking and stacking wood, piling brush, and removing any rocks or old agricultural waste. Next spring, we will work the land to get it ready for planting.
  
  Lower Field Fencing Project – So far, we have 50 root stock pear and 15 heirloom apple trees in our mini nursery and we are eager to give them the room they need to grow. This year we will be fencing our lower field. Work will include prepping for fencing, support where needed on fencing and transplanting fruit trees.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  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

  As outlined in the section below, Creston is a fantastic place to visit. We enjoy travel and sharing stories about our adventures. For some help around our farm and home we would be more than willing to host visitors to our great community.

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are looking for help with our home and property, particularly someone skilled in cooking and cleaning who would also like to do outdoor chores including supporting our plans for:
  
  Our property and orchard:
  Clearing land
  Fencing
  Planting, pruning and maintaining fruit trees
  Veggie gardening
  Landscaping and perennial gardening
  
  Other:
  Painting
  House renovations

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  French: Intermediate
  Czech: Beginner
  Spanish: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  I am a beginner Spanish speaker and Wade is a beginner Czech speaker. Our daughter (no longer at home) is fluent in Czech and our boys went to French immersion school during their elementary school years.
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  Accommodation

  Room in house or space provided for campervan or RV.

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  What else ...

  Our acreage is located 2 min away from Creston, a great town in Ktunaxa Territory in southern BC with so much to see and do. There are multiple ski hills within 2 hours of our home including White Water, Kimberley, and Red Mountain. Kootenay Lake is just 20 minutes away and the Goat River, a short bike ride down the road. Four wineries are within biking distance and the Creston Valley also hosts a micro-distillery and brewery.
  
  Notable local events include the Blossom Festival, Kaslo Jazz Festival, Shambala, Fall Fair and a vibrant Farmers' Market. There is a recreation complex, golf course and lots of hiking, mountain biking, fishing and hunting opportunities.

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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

  This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  We have both an area close to water, power and convenience and another area beside a creek with lots of privacy but no amenities.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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