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Host rating
65 %
Last replied
30 Jan 2023
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Details
Description
I am an artist and permaculture enthusiast who recently purchased a historical building in the city of Rutland in Southern Vermont. We are nestled in the Green Mountains, just a few miles from the infamous Long Trail and the ski resort Killington in an area that boasts an abundance of lakes, creeks and waterfalls. Our drinking water is sourced from a local mountain spring which I gather every week.
I established the academy in October of 2021 and began renovating the building shortly thereafter. It's a beautiful brick building that was built in 1890. It is situated on a half an acre on the outskirts of this small city in the middle of a green belt on the side of a creek, it's namesake. It is not uncommon to see deer passing through here as well as other small creatures and plenty of birds! We even saw a bobcat a few weeks ago.
My goal is to provide arts and permaculture programing to the kids of local families who are not in the public school system. The homeschooling community is strong here and I aim to add another node to their network of educational facilities. I am working to renovate the building and the grounds with the goal of officially opening in Fall of 2022. I am looking for some people to work along side me as I DIY my way through this project. I hire local tradespeople when I need plumbing, electrical, heating and specialized carpentry but the rest of it is all me.
Some of the interesting DIY projects I am working on currently are: establishing a food forest, cultivating a wide variety of berry bushes and nut trees, establishing more vegetable beds, creating a demonstration water wheel, building and enriching the soil through composting, pruning and taming ancient grape vines, updating the interior of the house, building a sauna and a demonstration humanure system.
Skills and resources I have to share are: an extensive library of books on foraging, wild mushrooms, permaculture and history from Indigenous scholar's perspective. I am a student of botany and can share what I know of the local ecosystem and wild food harvesting. Knowledge of local swimming holes, hidden hiking trails and paddling spots. Fermentation and food preservation techniques. Propagation of plants and grafting fruit trees. I can share survival skills and teach what plants are nutritious to eat that people commonly mistake for weeds. Want to learn what flowers are edible? I'm your guy!
The mission of the academy:
To provide a venue for free expression through art, creative writing, movement,
theater, music and earth stewardship. It is a place where ideas are
exchanged and discussed freely and openly in an atmosphere of acceptance and tolerance
for differences of perspective. Freedom of thought and speech reign supreme in this
Academy. All are equal and free who enter this space. All are welcome here in the spirit
of community enrichment; mutual aid and resource sharing.
*I am living a sober lifestyle and if you're looking to take a break from partying, come and get high off nature with me!
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Foraging wild mushrooms, harvesting wild food, plant propagation, fruit tree grafting, cultivating food, fermentation and food preservation, compost and soil building, basic botany, local history and survival skills.
Help
I'm looking for enthusiastic and fun people to help transform this already wonderful home into a thriving permaculture homestead and arts academy.
I am DIY-ing my way through renovations on this wonderful old brick house, I would love some company, especially if you have a great sense of humor and love cats! I am also transforming the grounds into a productive nut and berry farm. I already have: English walnuts, black walnuts, hazelnuts, chestnuts, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, chokecherries, sweet cherries, currants, grapes, tons of grapes and a couple baby mulberry trees! Also a plum and crab apple tree that I grafted pears to.
There is a creek running by here and I am eager to figure out how to create a water wheel to generate electricity as a educational tool for my future students.
There is enormous potential here for creative ideas! I am an artist and as such am very open to art projects as well.
In the meantime, just having someone help care for the gardens, pruning, weeding and planting would be wonderous. Of course along with that comes the rights to eat delicious fruits!
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
I have a large and airy spare bedroom in the back of this 19th century brick house. I will soon have a geodesic dome in the back yard as well if that is more to your liking. I can provide plenty of delicious and pure spring water! Am happy to share meals with guests. This is a vegetarian homestead. Eggs and dairy products are enjoyed here!
What else ...
This part of Vermont is full of fun activities; paddling, hiking, swimming, fishing, foraging, biking, dancing, outdoor concerts in the summer, gorgeous fall colors and we are less than ten miles from Killington ski resort. Waterfalls, swimming holes and lakes are abundant here. We are also only a few miles from the Long Trail.
I'm a bike enthusiast and as such, I do have two bikes and would be happy to lend one to a guest should they feel the call to cruise around and explore the area.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have high speed internet and a wireless connection available to guests.
Space for parking camper vans
There is a driveway with room for a campervan or a small RV. There is also room on the property for tent camping.
Can possibly accept pets
Pets will be accepted within reason.
How many Workawayers can stay?
One
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
