Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
25 Feb 2025
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Details
Description
We are a lesbian couple (Teri and Liz) who have been living on our property since 1992. We originally lived in a canvas yurt for 15 years, the first 7 years we did not have power or water. Since then, we have built a small sustainable home and garden. As we are aging, we realize that we need a little extra help with the garden and small projects around the property. We have had volunteers in the past and thought we would also reach out to workaway to find folks who might want to come to the San Jaun islands in exchange for some work on our homestead.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Skills you will learn – Note: depending on the time of year, some of the tasks may have been completed or are not yet ready to do but we are willing to share knowledge about these tasks through readings and discussions.
Small scale orchard care – mulching, pruning, thinning, weeding, tying berries to trellis, netting trees & berries, water system care and a variety of other tasks related to a small-scale orchard. Picking fruit when ready. Planting and Tending a vegetable garden. How to process; dry, can and freeze food from the orchard and garden for winter use. Water maintenance & conservation. Composting yard waste and Humanure and using the mature compost for mulching. Vermiculture – composting- Waste reduction – we strive to reduce our waste as much as possible. You will learn about recycling, waste reduction and the local Zero Waste initiative.
In addition to learning about small scale homesteading we also try to provide experiences off the farm. We often get in a sailing trip, kayaking, bike rides, and a sunset cruise on a 100-year-old steam boat.
Help
We are looking for a positive young person or couple who is physically fit to help with our small-scale homestead and willing to learn and participate in a variety of projects and chores. We are hoping to find someone who would like to stay the whole season, starting April 2024 and staying through July 30th. We hope to build a relationship with you that is collaborative and beneficial to each of us.
Some of the tasks you will be expected to do:
Orchard projects include mulching, pruning, thinning fruit, putting up netting, and picking fruit. Participate in organic pest control, and eradication of pests when necessary. Garden tasks include planting, mulching, weeding, setting up and monitoring drip irrigation, pest control and picking vegetables. Processing vegetables for winter use. Mowing and weed eating. Noxious weed control. Helping to process food for winter storage to include drying, freezing and canning.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
You will live in a 12 by 17 size wall tent on a platform, complete with double bed, desk and storage shelves. Bedding and towels provided. There is a wood stove that can be used in the fall and spring. Summer months there is too great a risk of forest fire to allow burning. Next to the wall tent is a small indoor kitchen fully outfitted with running water & sink, refrigerator, propane stove, oven, electrical lights, outlets and WI-FI. The kitchen is equipped with utensils, plates, cups, pots and pans and a sundry of other items so you will not need to bring anything with you. The tent is sited in a private clearing in a deciduous woodland with lots of bird life including eagles & hawks, rabbits and the occasional deer. Shower and laundry facilities are available at our home. There is a large pond for swimming.
What else ...
Lopez Island offers a step back in time. The island is 12 miles long with beautiful beaches and parks. It is an easy place to bike and hike. To get a sense of what we offer take a look at the chamber website for Lopez Island WA.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Internet connectivity is OK, not super-fast.
Space for parking camper vans
We have full hook up for something up to 30’, but it is not as private as the tent site is.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
