Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
13 Jan 2025
Reply rate
78.6 %
Usually responds within 1 day
Feedback
58
Email verified
Badges (2)
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Description
Hi my name is Eric. I have been homesteading for 20+ years, growing organic food. I'm looking for folks who are self motivated and know how to work and are interested in learning about the homesteading life and want to help me keep the place rolling. I have 7-10 goats ,hens , honeybees, greenhouses and lots of trees. This is a beautiful high desert enviroment surrounded by nature .The land is located in Gila N.M. about 40 miles away from the nearest town which is Silver City N.M. We are at around 5,000 feet so the winters are not that warm and the summers are not that hot. Even though we are at a similar latitude as Phoenix it is nothing like that ,so don't be afraid to come here in the summer.There is oppurtunity to learn animal care , land setup , gardening and much more. All buildings are hand built by myself family and friends , most buildings are strawbale . Looking for short term help maintainiing the grounds, meal prep , mowing , weedeating and general help. I do have a commercial farm and sell vegetables but you will not be asked to help with those jobs because i do make money from them and Workaway's policy is no volunteer labor for commercial ventures. There is plenty of other tasks to be done which is independent from the farm. Please no heavy alcohol drinkers, light drinking is o.k. Please no heavy chemical fragrances since many people have a negative reation to them.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
This rural enviroment is perfect for folks who love nature, animals, hiking, photography, and those who appreciate quiet time to study, learn instruments, spiritual practices and general self-improvement.
Help
The help will be mowing weedeating, building projects, , meal prep, dishes, and general maintenence. Also will be starting a tree nursery for non profit restoration project
The work is hard at times ,so what i need is self motivated hard working people.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis 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.
Accommodation
Adjacent casita is a standalone two-room strawbale house or a cozy travel trailer (full bed) nearby. We all share a spacious outhouse, separate shower room, kitchen, and washing machine. Top-notch clothesline and separate guest fridge available.
What else ...
Gila borders a beautiful national forest with hiking , hot springs and stunning photography available. Please don't wear or bring strong chemical fragrances as it contaminates the food we eat and is an irritant to many people. There is no cell service but we have strong WIFI.For anyone who would like to come here,we will have a phone interview beforehand and a trial period of about a week.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
The internet is pretty strong most of the time
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Host ref number: 295411759681
Feedback (29)
5 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Melanie & Thomas) for host
We simply LOVED Eric and our time working and living together with him on his beautiful homestead!
Feeling welcome and at home right from the very beginning, we appreciated every single moment there. Every detail made our experience more than perfect: all the tasks given were absolutely enjoyable (who would not enjoy picking fresh and delicious… read more
Feeling welcome and at home right from the very beginning, we appreciated every single moment there. Every detail made our experience more than perfect: all the tasks given were absolutely enjoyable (who would not enjoy picking fresh and delicious… read more
1 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Melanie & Thomas)
Tomas,Melanie ,Evelyna and Patricia were excellent guests and workers while they were here. The kids took on chores with the goats and chickens and did daily without having to be asked. Melanie was an awesome and thorough fruit picker and Tomas helped immensly by fixing my old tractor and other equipment. I recommend the whole family highly to… read more
(Excellent
)
6 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Brent)
Brent has been a great help while he has been at my place and the surrounding area.He truly enjoys helping others and has dedicated his time to a life of service. I highly recommend Brent to anyone needing a mature, self motivated person to give them a hand at their place.
(Excellent
)
7 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nikki)
Nikki was an excellent helper. She helped me in every aspect of the place. From cleaning and organizing to mowing ,weeding and everything else that needed doing. I appreciate everything she did and highly reccomend her to any host needing an energetic helping hand.
(Excellent
)
Photos
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(5.0)
5 Nov 2024
Left by Workawayer (Melanie & Thomas) for host
We simply LOVED Eric and our time working and living together with him on his beautiful homestead!
Feeling welcome and at home right from the very beginning, we appreciated every single moment there. Every detail made our experience more than perfect: all the tasks given were absolutely enjoyable (who would not enjoy picking fresh and delicious… read more
Feeling welcome and at home right from the very beginning, we appreciated every single moment there. Every detail made our experience more than perfect: all the tasks given were absolutely enjoyable (who would not enjoy picking fresh and delicious… read more
1 Nov 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Melanie & Thomas)
Tomas,Melanie ,Evelyna and Patricia were excellent guests and workers while they were here. The kids took on chores with the goats and chickens and did daily without having to be asked. Melanie was an awesome and thorough fruit picker and Tomas helped immensly by fixing my old tractor and other equipment. I recommend the whole family highly to… read more
(Excellent)
6 Jun 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Brent)
Brent has been a great help while he has been at my place and the surrounding area.He truly enjoys helping others and has dedicated his time to a life of service. I highly recommend Brent to anyone needing a mature, self motivated person to give them a hand at their place.
(Excellent)
7 Jan 2024
Left by host for Workawayer (Nikki)
Nikki was an excellent helper. She helped me in every aspect of the place. From cleaning and organizing to mowing ,weeding and everything else that needed doing. I appreciate everything she did and highly reccomend her to any host needing an energetic helping hand.
(Excellent)
26 Sep 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Julie)
Julie was a reliable ,consistent and hard worker and her dogs were no problem at all. I recommend her to anyone needing a good helper
(Excellent)
4 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Kate)
Kate was an excellent helper while she was here. She's self motivated ,independent and a hard worker. She kept a positive attitude no matter what work we were doing. I reccomend her to anyone wanting a mature person to help get the tasks done.
(Excellent)
4 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host
I had the most wonderful, memorable stay on Eric's funny farm on the Gila. I stayed five days in late April - the blink of an eye! Eric is a humble and generous teacher. Whatever your interest, there is much to learn about the whole plant life cycle, animals, biodynamics and farm infrastructure. I was super excited to set up drip irrigation for… read more
12 Nov 2022
Left by Workawayer (Malia) for host
Eric was such an awesome host! We spent a little under a month at his farm- between the good cooking, abundance of laughs, and food growing, our time there flew by.
We would highly recommend Eric to anyone looking for a great experience on an organic farm. His sense of humor and light-heartedness always made us feel at home.
We would highly recommend Eric to anyone looking for a great experience on an organic farm. His sense of humor and light-heartedness always made us feel at home.
4 Nov 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Malia)
Skye and Jeremiah were excellent workers during their stay at my place. They were always willing to do whatever tasks was needing to be done. We got the work done and had lots of laughs which always makes it not seem as much like work. Between them being mature for their age and me being immature for mine, we got along great. I highly recommend… read more
(Excellent)
18 Jul 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Hanne )
Hanne and Raphael were excellent guests. We got a ton of stuff done in 2 weeks and they really helped me get caught up. I would reccomend them to anyone needing a helpful hand in getting things done at there place. I thank them both.
(Excellent)
13 Jul 2022
Left by Workawayer (Hanne ) for host
One of the most beautiful experiences in a stunning environment. The work is rewarding and varied and summer truly is a great time to visit Gila. Eric is a fantastic guy. He made sure we felt at home, cooks delicious food and it was interesting and fun spending time with him.
13 Jun 2022
Left by Workawayer (Jan & Léa) for host
My time at Eric`s has been full of new experiences and challenges. I learned a lot about all kind of topics; organic farming and its importance to the environment and every human themself, animal keeping and caring, cooking and more. Go see Eric in the beauiful Gila Wilderness if you are eager to learn and enjoy working!
30 May 2022
Left by host for Workawayer (Jan & Léa)
Jan was an excellent guest and worker from the moment he got here. He liked to stay busy if possible and did some very dusty tasks without compaint . I would highly recommend him to anyone needing some solid help.
(Excellent)
1 Apr 2021
Left by Workawayer (Arie & Lonnie) for host
Eric was a great host who provided both meaningful work and a warm environment. While there we helped build and dismantle greenhouses, which provided a challenge as well as a learning experience. Eric was very good at making sure we knew how to properly use any and all of the tools necessary, and even taught us how to use some additional tools… read more
25 Mar 2021
Left by host for Workawayer (Arie & Lonnie)
Arie and Lonnie were really helpful with some pretty challenging work. We were simultaneously building hoophouses at my place and tearing down hoophouses at another place . Sometimes while snow was falling and almost always the wind was blowing hard. I appreciate the help they gave and would recommend them to any Workaway host.
(Excellent)
19 Jul 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (GARDENGIRLIE)
Kaia was a self motivated and strong worker. She watched my place while i took a retreat to the mountains for a month and when i got back all the crops we had planted in the greenhouses before i left were growing and doing great. It was a pleasent suprise that a not so experienced gardener was able to pay attention and cared enough to make sure… read more
(Excellent)
25 Feb 2020
Left by host for Workawayer (Marina & Philip)
Marina and Philip were a great help while they were here.Marina was a motivated ,organizing ,creative force that did all kinds of improvements here,including painting a beautiful mural.Philip was willing to do jobs that few would such as cleaning out about a foot of manure from my goat barn and picking rocks from the field .I appreciate the help… read more
(Excellent)
22 Feb 2020
Left by Workawayer (Marina & Philip) for host
Our stay was an incredible experience. The land is gorgeous sitting right behind a national park overlooking a creek and the Gila River. We worked hard on several projects and left feeling like family. Eric is a great person, great chef, super hospitable and kind. Loved our time here!
13 Jan 2020
Left by Workawayer (Lisa & Matthew) for host
Eric is an incredible person! We love you Eric! And we had an absolutely amazing time on our third workaway. During our time, we helped Eric harvest kale, swiss chard, beets, turnips, and lots of potatoes! We also helped him prepare his greenhouses and plant lettuce, carrots, beets and turnips, and oh, lended a hand in the construction of his… read more
16 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Steve & Rebekah)
Rebekah was a good worker during her stay here.It was really nice having someone older and mature.She was self motivated,independent and dependable. Rebekah helped me get all caught up on weeding during a hot time here and i really appreciate it.
(Excellent)
15 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Steve & Rebekah) for host
Eric's haven in the Gila is a world apart! Not just the location but peaceful and healing atmosphere. Even the weeds grow in peace there! :-) One of my favorite experiences was Harvest Time Friday morning when a few neighbors gather at the farm to help. Eric puts his heart and soul fit into whatever he does and this is especially apparent from the… read more
16 Sep 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Hannah)
Hannah and Arthur were a great help and helped me get caught up on a lot of loose ends. I appreciate the work they did and Arthur even changed the starter in my truck for me so i could be doing something else.Hope their future goes great for them.
(Excellent)
14 Sep 2019
Left by Workawayer (Hannah) for host
Our stay at Eric’s farm was one of our favorite places we’ve traveled to. Not only was it a pleasant and peaceful visit, but it was also inspiring to see the productivity and determination Eric puts into his farm. We learned a lot from the lifestyle and conversations there. Eric is a fair host who communicates clearly and is a kind, funny person.… read more
15 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Robin was a good worker and a good addition while he was here. We did lots of weeding in the high heat of N.M. and he did lots of dishes which was a great help. He's always welcome back and hope your future goes good for you guys.
(Excellent)
12 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
What a fun and inspiring week i had with Eric, the goats, and his turkey harriet. :turkey:. I learned a lot, from cooking tasty tasty meals to farming skills, how to treat the animals, develop the crops, beekeeping, chess, and meeting other people such as the other workawayers and the Gila gang. Cant wait to have another chess and jam session with… read more
15 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Kevin)
Kevin was a good worker and didn't mind working in the intense N.M. heat and sun which is rare to find. He always had a good and friendly attitude while doing whatever task was needed to be done. I appreciate the help and he's always welcome back.
(Excellent)
12 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kevin) for host
i learned alot from the week I stayed on Eric’s farm. couldn’t have been a better teacher and friend to hang out and work with and definitely will be back to provide more help and play more chess and music...thanks again Eric had an amazing time
15 Jul 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
Jen was a great help during her time here.The month she was here flew by. She was a good worker,organizer and kept a real good attitude.She's always welcome back if ever in the neighborhood. Thanks for everything
(Excellent)
7 Jul 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jennifer) for host
What an immense blessing it has been to experience life on the farm for 1 month with Eric. Eric is a great teacher, always patient and willing to explain the processes of farm handling. He’s also a wonderful companion, conversationalist, cook, chess player, and friend. The land is rugged, wild, and wildly abundant. I found my experience here to be… read more
20 May 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Jennifer)
Jennifer was a good help here and was open to do any of the jobs that needed to be done.Coming from an almost opposite situation than what we have here, she fit right in and was open to all the new things that came along.Hope her travels are good.
(Excellent)
17 May 2019
Left by Workawayer (Jennifer) for host
I stayed in Gila for two weeks and it was the most meditative and peaceful of all my workaways. Eric is a kind, thoughtful and straightforward host and I learned a lot just being around his good energy, not to mention all the practical skills of planting, tractoring, shepherding, building and cooking he taught me. The work is consistent and varied… read more
14 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Lesley & Egan)
Leslley and Eagan were a great help while they stayed.They weren't intimidated by the projects including laying hundreds of feet of 10 inch pipe in a 40 inch deep trench.They were self motivated and had plenty of energy for the tasks at hand.Glad to have met them and wish them the best for their futures
(Excellent)
12 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Lesley & Egan) for host
We stayed with Eric for two awesome weeks, where we got to help with an array of projects and see the springtime prep of his small farm. Eric is very chill, but has a high standard for his farm and its products that is easy to abide by if you're willing to learn. We really loved sharing time with him both on projects and in free time, specifically… read more
7 Apr 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Emma)
Emma was a great worker.Good attitude and open to all the work we did .She's always welcome back
(Excellent)
1 Apr 2019
Left by Workawayer (Emma) for host
I had a really great time staying here for about 2 weeks. Eric is filled with knowledge and insight. He made sure we were always fed and was flexible about eating times and who cooked. The work was hard but in very small spurts. Otherwise if we worked longer it was usually easier work. There are a lot of little projects around and he was open to… read more
27 Mar 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Omina & Daniel)
Omina and dan were great guests ready to work and learn whatever was needed .Always welcome back
(Excellent)
14 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Omina & Daniel) for host
Eric took us in on a last minute request and we had so much fun.
We worked in the garden, building projects, hung out with the animals, and had some amazing hikes.
Eric is the kindest guy ever and amazing chef.
I hope we can go back.
Big thanks to Eric for the lessons and amazing experiences.
It was our first workaway.
We worked in the garden, building projects, hung out with the animals, and had some amazing hikes.
Eric is the kindest guy ever and amazing chef.
I hope we can go back.
Big thanks to Eric for the lessons and amazing experiences.
It was our first workaway.
8 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Kate) for host
I had the good fortune to spend the summer season immersed in life on Eric’s farm. He’s created a remarkable, life affirming oasis at the edge of the Gila wilderness. Living and working there was a wonderful experience. It’s taken me far too long to write this review, but late is better the never. Here are just a few of the delights I… read more
5 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Elizabeth & Luke)
Liz and Luke were good workers helping with a variety of tasks.They didn't mind getting dirty or muddy and we got quite a lot done while they were here. I recommend having them come and help out.
(Excellent)
27 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Elizabeth & Luke) for host
We stayed with Eric for almost two weeks. The experience was great! The atmosphere was welcoming. Eric was a great teacher and great cook! He taught us about the ways of homesteading and operating a small (but growing) farm. Daily tasks varied each day from harvesting carrots for the market to digging a trench for the new water system. Meals were… read more
5 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Tina)
Tina was a great guest.Hard worker ,always positive,and open to any work that needed to be done.Also a professional riding lawn mower driver. An extra plus is the beautiful art she left with me.Thankful for the help
(Excellent)
27 Dec 2018
Left by Workawayer (Tina) for host
Eric was an amazing host full of life and knowledge to share! The farm is very accommodating and I felt spoiled having a hot shower/ laundry amenities/my own room/a kitchen full of homegrown goods after camping for weeks at a time for work. The goats were a major bonus for me and Eric patiently taught me how to milk and deal with all their funny… read more
16 Aug 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lydia) for host
I absolutely loved it here, it was so beautiful, and working in the greenhouses and with the goats was super fun and exciting to learn about. I can’t say enough how beautiful the area was, and Eric is a great person. I came in the heat of summer, and he was very good about giving the time needed to escape the heat. And the food was amazing!
23 Jun 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Lydia)
Lydia was a great help.She helped us weed ,plant ,clean ,organize and take care of the baby goats.Also her artist background came in handy when she was willing to paint some signs for market.Definitly mature for an 18 year old.Highly recommend her as helper.
(Excellent)
1 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Lesli & Eric) for host
We have 3 young kids (4, 2 and 10 months) and Eric said he would give it a go when I asked if hosts families. He is patient and so knowledgeable. There were definitely challenges with littles and it might not be a great fit for every family but our kids loved the animals (and named) them, they pulled weeds and picked up trash. We got to be a part… read more
7 May 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jay & Giovanna)
Jay and Giovanna were alot of help and i appreciate the help they gave.Hope they have good luck on there travels and goals
(Excellent)
8 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jay & Giovanna) for host
If you are interested in market Farming, country living, growing food, raising livestock or just need to escape urban life I highly recommend working with Eric. He is a great guy to spend time with on and off work. Accommodation is top notch. Private room, hot showers and fast WiFI. Eric is an excellent cook and he provided an abundance of… read more
26 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Cydney)
Cydney was a great help and open to learning and trying things she's never done before.Anyone will benefit from having her help at their place.I wish her luck on her adventures.
(Excellent)
25 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Cydney) for host
I just left my one week workaway experience at Eric’s farm and homestead and am already seeking ways to return and stay longer! There is no end to the extent to which you can learn about farming, plant medicine, cooking, wellness and more. Eric, Bart and the farm are so welcoming and gracious. I was extremely nourished from the inside out from the… read more
12 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Dan & Ellen) for host
We had a great time at Eric's! The original plan was to stay about a week, but we had so much fun we ended up living there for more than five weeks. We learned about food/trucks/tractors/medicine/spirituality/animal care among other things, shared great healthy meals with each other, and laughed every day. The community in Gila was fun and Eric… read more
25 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (James & Sarah)
James and Sarah just stayed for a short time but jumped right in and helped like seasoned workers .Always welcome back.
(Excellent)
25 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (James & Sarah) for host
Eric has an amazing little farm. His and the property had a positive energy and we enjoyed helping out and talking to him. Very easy going and relaxed atmosphere. Just wish we had spent more time, and plan on stopping back by if we are in the area again.
Thanks Eric!
Thanks Eric!
25 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Brooke & Noah) for host
Staying with Eric was nothing short of amazing--it's almost difficult to put into words! I arrived just a couple days before the Spring Equinox and things were starting to gear up for the warmer months. Without being overwhelming, there was always something new to do. Eric is a hard worker and a relaxed person, so working with him was a pleasure.… read more
25 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Brooke & Noah)
Brooke chose to spend her spring break from teaching here and was an excellent guest for the week.Always willing to work and always a good attitude .Always welcome back.
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Johnathan and Britteny were an excellent edition to the homestead .Always willing to work and always positive while doing it .Sharing recipes and meals was a joy.I hope their travels lead them to their homestead and we can expand this healthy food movement. Thanks
(Excellent)
20 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
What better way to spend three weeks than with the enthusiastic, educational, and creative Eric. His place is located in a beautifully secluded bit of land a short jaunt to the Gila River. Hiking starts from here and is endless in the Gila Wilderness. We got to experience a working homestead & growing market farm where we planted and readied… read more
28 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Ice) for host
I had an excellent time at Eric's farm/homestead in Gila, NM. I stayed there for about a week and was very sad to leave.
I found my stay to be very rejuvenating- we spent our free time taking the goats on walks, sharing piano and guitar, helping other members of the larger community with their homesteads, and drinking tea. I learned a lot about… read more
I found my stay to be very rejuvenating- we spent our free time taking the goats on walks, sharing piano and guitar, helping other members of the larger community with their homesteads, and drinking tea. I learned a lot about… read more
20 Dec 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Ice)
Ice was an excellent worker and easy guest.Was always willing to help with projects and would continue projects without me asking.She had skills from her previous experiences that made her very easy to work with.Also was mature for her age and is always welcome back for a visit Thanks
(Excellent)
