Developing a forested area and learn about organic gardening in the tropics of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Details

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  Description

  PLEASE NOTE:
  *** I can only accommodate one person ***
  
  the work is outdoors and is quite heavy - (rainy season) includes planting vetiver, planting trees, watering, digging out small stumps, pulling weeds etc. (Dry season) maintenance on the swales and check dams, mulching the newer trees, manure collection, turning compost, and watering some of the newer/delicate trees. Because the work is heavy and hot - the early start to the day is best to avoid mid day heat
  
  I also have worm castings which requires feeding them cow manure mostly and also 'harvesting' the castings. There are several mulch piles on the property and the mulch needs to be turned over
  
  I have been living and gardening in Nicaragua for the past 5 years. And am doing my best to germinate tree seeds to gift to anyone interested in reforestation or generally having more ever green trees for beauty, shade and moisture conservation
  
  My overall objectives are:
  - harvest as much water as possible - with swales and check dams and create a self sustaining green environment
  - to maintain a newly acquired piece of land adjacent to my property where we are continuing to plant native trees - which will eventually become a forested nature reserve (very small one) - we are focusing on clearing the land, removing small tree stumps, developing a series of swales to harvest water and prevent soil erosion
  
  The second objective
  - to have a vegetable garden (organic) that serves as a source of income for the wife of Juan the gentleman that works with me and of course for personal consumption
  - she sells a variety of lettuce, arugula, herbs, cucumbers and other veges to a few restaurants and individuals. Since we have been doing this the family has started eating more and more vegetables which is not customary here in Nicaragua. The goal is to positively influence their diet, to offer earning potential by selling what is grown. With better income - and improvement in the quality of life.
  
  PLEASE note: In the rainy season, if you are super sensitive to mosquitos and biting insects this project may not be suitable for you!
  
  PLEASE note: the volunteers who enjoy this experience the most are the ones who are interested in learning about trees/flora and fauna of Central America and have an interest in getting to know the guys working with me and the local culture.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Farmstay help
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  Interests

  

  Politics / Social justice

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Charity work

  

  Farming

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Cycling
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  There is a lot to learn about organic gardening in the tropics (it is a constant challenge) and learning about making organic pesticides and organic foliar fertilizers. I do enjoy people who are actually interested in trees and learning about the local flora and fauna. I cultivate trees to give away to encourage
  
  Opportunities to learn about flora and fauna of Nicaragua which is very diverse.
  
  Monthly trips made for plant buying
  
  I am starting a plant nursery for many indigenous trees that are specifically to give away - with the aim of promoting evergreen tree planting
  
  And overall to inject new ideas and approaches into what we are doing

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  Help

  Project
  
  I have recently acquired a new piece of property, approximately 3 more acres, adjacent to mine. We have dug numerous swales and have put in several check dams. So far this year we have planted more than 120 new trees and we are continuing to remove small stumps, and we are trying to keep ahead of the weeds and wild grasses. We are going to plant some cane grass to be used for bio mass, and we are cultivating as much of the property with various crops now that the rains have started.
  
  Eventually I would like it to be a ‘nature park’ to be enjoyed by birds and some small wildlife and people who can stroll on the pathways I would like to establish. I already have two people who work with me full time and have found someone to help me to clear the property. A workaway person would participate in this, removing stumps, and weeds and weed grasses. Help with maintenance of swales and check dams. We also have several large mulch piles that need to be turned on a regular basis and we have worm castings.
  
  The workawayer has a chance to learn about indigenous plants, organic gardening with it’s successes and challenges in this climate.
  
  There are other projects to do - it is a work in progress!!!

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Intermediate

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  Accommodation

  Accommodations
  There is an enclosed balcony with a day bed (single person) and a ceiling and floor fan and a single day bed. There is a hot water shower. Work laundry must be done by hand – I do have a washing machine for the not-so-dirty clothes! I prefer to operate the machine as it is a bit finnicky. Most of the time is spent outside because there are always things to see including amazing sunsets.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Lunch is not included on weekends or non-working days.
  
  I appreciate help in the kitchen or someone who enjoys cooking as well. Participation in the process is part of the program and includes cleaning up (does not always occur to some people).
  
  Although I like vegetarian and vegan food I eat meat/fish and chicken. I am flexible but not always good at accommodating dietary restrictions.
  
  I have 2 dogs and 1 cat

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  What else ...

  public transport is easily available on the main road - 0.7 miles from my home,
  
  so far in my workaway experiences the volunteers have stuck close to home when not working - I really encourage people to go out and see what is around town, see a nearby adventure park with a zip line and old growth forest, inexpensive shuttles to the local beaches etc etc
  
  there are numerous things to do - beaches, surfing, bird watching, hiking, cycling. There is an abundance of things to learn from our experiences.
  
  My team of two guys from the community are knowledgeable and one of them is especially suited to work with (he loves to chat and share his knowledge, the other one is basically shy! Both are really hard working.

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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

  I can stream but I am not really tech savvy it would be fine if a workawayer wanted to work on line I have 2 dogs and 1 cat

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  One

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