If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.
Come join our organic family homestead located within a Land Co-op, in Central NY’s Fingerlakes area, USA.
Last activity
: 30 Apr 2025
Profile information
Usually responds within 4 days
Min stay requested: at least 3 weeks
Workawayers needed
Possibility that workawayers are needed
No availability
Details
Host ref number: 758555211156
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Feedback (8)
Left by Workawayer (Mykela) for host
This was my first work away experience and it was life changing! I stayed with Alison and Karl in early August for two weeks and then again recently for a weekend. I’ve learned so much about farm life and community living.
The communication was great and they were super flexible with my schedule. I would have loved to stay longer but with my
… read more remote 9-5 it wasn’t totally possible due to hours and internet connection. This would be great for someone looking for a short 1-2 week stay or could be a more ideal long term situation for someone with a more flexible work schedule. But otherwise be prepared to be really plugged into nature!
The accommodations were really cozy. The tent is spacious and a few yards away from the main and out-house. The tent had a bed, night stand and was equipped with extra blankets and lanterns. It’s secluded enough where you have your own privacy during down time but are still relatively close to the action.
The schedule would vary based on what was needed but this made for a more relaxing and exciting time. I never felt overworked but also be prepared to do intensive work. Some things you may do: pick berries and herbs, feed animals, carry wood, help with meals etc. On Saturdays I would also help Alison with the farmers market, which is an all day and eye opening experience! Luckily Sunday is a free day so usually I’d spend my time walking around the land or reading. There was plenty of quiet downtime. I took the bus to Cortland so I didn’t have the chance to explore the neighboring areas but I’m sure if you drive you could do so after hours.
Alison and Karl are so fun and super welcoming and really take the time to get to know you. They really try and involve volunteers in their community life as well so you will mingle with co-op community members from time to time. Alison and Karl have such interesting and rich experiences and I highly suggest you soak up everything they have to offer.
I would suggest this experience if you’re interested in learning more about agriculture, herbalism, livestock, community living and are excited about getting your hands dirty.
Left by Workawayer (Alexandria) for host
I stayed with Alison and Karl for close to a month in late fall 2022 and absolutely loved my time with them. They are very kind and thoughtful people, which made transitioning into a more off-the-grid lifestyle than I'm used to incredibly easy. This was my first time volunteering through Workaway and I couldn't be more thankful that they were my
… read more first hosts!
My accommodations were the spare bedroom inside the house where one of their incredibly sweet cats (Rita will be missed) also resided. It was very warm and comfortable with plenty of privacy and space for belongings. Food wise you are always welcome to have anything you can find around the house if you get hungry between meals - which were always delicious. Alison showed me how to make her signature toast with salsa for lunches which I have been craving since I left :) Dinner is normally eaten together and consisted of anything from Karl's delicious meat roasts/stir fry's to hummus and vegetable wraps. Most of what is eaten are things grown and/or made on the farm; it was the healthiest and most sustainably I've eaten for most of my life.
As other reviews said, there is always something to be done in terms of farm and housework. I planted garlic, dug potatoes, took care of the greenhouse plants and perennials, canned food, made soap, helped out at the bi-weekly farmers market, and much more. My days were very busy as I enjoyed the work I was doing and wanted to continue finishing projects, not because a full day's work is expected. They are very clear that when you need a break you take one, and when you're ready to stop or aren't comfortable with helping out in a certain area (such as butchering), to just let them know.
The variety of organic products Alison creates from primarily homegrown materials is amazing to be a part of. Her knowledge of different extracts and essential oils, fermentation of foods and wine, creation of salves and tinctures, and her work ethic for it all is inspiring to be around. Karl's expertise on plants and their propagation is incredibly vast, I've never seen a collection of houseplants and orchids so well taken care of anywhere in such huge and varying proportions. I am lucky to have met such interesting and dedicated people so early in my year of traveling; I'll miss them and the land trust community very much. I would absolutely go back and I can't recommend staying here enough :)
-Lexi S.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Javi) for host
I went to the farm in the midle of the winter for 3 weeks and i had a wonderful experiencie there, i worked in the "green house" with Alison and Karl, they have a lot of suculents and plants. i learned about gardering, their culture, clean energy(next to the green house, there is a solar panel), type of insects. Around the house are peaceful and
… read more their community is kind. I miss the Karl's popcorns, the teacups with Alison, all the animals and cooking your vegetables because it taste delicious. I hope to go in wine seasson to work with you!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Photos
Alison harvesting fall carrots
Gardens in the early fall
"Penelope", Nubian dairy goat
Some canning was going on! Rabbit in the front, tomatoes in the back. Our pleasantly cluttered house!
"Sweet 16" apple tree in Sept. 2013. 2015 will be another amazing apple year! Trees are loaded!
Our son, Jason, working Sadie, preparing a field with the spring tooth harrow
Hwen Hwen (volunteer from China) with rhubarb and Sasha, the goat, wanting a bite!
Salad mix coming up under row cover in early spring
Newly planted cabbage transplants
Alison measuring and marking out a bed for planting in the spring
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Left by Workawayer (Mykela) for host
This was my first work away experience and it was life changing! I stayed with Alison and Karl in early August for two weeks and then again recently for a weekend. I’ve learned so much about farm life and community living.
The communication was great and they were super flexible with my schedule. I would have loved to stay longer but with my
… read more remote 9-5 it wasn’t totally possible due to hours and internet connection. This would be great for someone looking for a short 1-2 week stay or could be a more ideal long term situation for someone with a more flexible work schedule. But otherwise be prepared to be really plugged into nature!
The accommodations were really cozy. The tent is spacious and a few yards away from the main and out-house. The tent had a bed, night stand and was equipped with extra blankets and lanterns. It’s secluded enough where you have your own privacy during down time but are still relatively close to the action.
The schedule would vary based on what was needed but this made for a more relaxing and exciting time. I never felt overworked but also be prepared to do intensive work. Some things you may do: pick berries and herbs, feed animals, carry wood, help with meals etc. On Saturdays I would also help Alison with the farmers market, which is an all day and eye opening experience! Luckily Sunday is a free day so usually I’d spend my time walking around the land or reading. There was plenty of quiet downtime. I took the bus to Cortland so I didn’t have the chance to explore the neighboring areas but I’m sure if you drive you could do so after hours.
Alison and Karl are so fun and super welcoming and really take the time to get to know you. They really try and involve volunteers in their community life as well so you will mingle with co-op community members from time to time. Alison and Karl have such interesting and rich experiences and I highly suggest you soak up everything they have to offer.
I would suggest this experience if you’re interested in learning more about agriculture, herbalism, livestock, community living and are excited about getting your hands dirty.
Left by Workawayer (Alexandria) for host
I stayed with Alison and Karl for close to a month in late fall 2022 and absolutely loved my time with them. They are very kind and thoughtful people, which made transitioning into a more off-the-grid lifestyle than I'm used to incredibly easy. This was my first time volunteering through Workaway and I couldn't be more thankful that they were my
… read more first hosts!
My accommodations were the spare bedroom inside the house where one of their incredibly sweet cats (Rita will be missed) also resided. It was very warm and comfortable with plenty of privacy and space for belongings. Food wise you are always welcome to have anything you can find around the house if you get hungry between meals - which were always delicious. Alison showed me how to make her signature toast with salsa for lunches which I have been craving since I left :) Dinner is normally eaten together and consisted of anything from Karl's delicious meat roasts/stir fry's to hummus and vegetable wraps. Most of what is eaten are things grown and/or made on the farm; it was the healthiest and most sustainably I've eaten for most of my life.
As other reviews said, there is always something to be done in terms of farm and housework. I planted garlic, dug potatoes, took care of the greenhouse plants and perennials, canned food, made soap, helped out at the bi-weekly farmers market, and much more. My days were very busy as I enjoyed the work I was doing and wanted to continue finishing projects, not because a full day's work is expected. They are very clear that when you need a break you take one, and when you're ready to stop or aren't comfortable with helping out in a certain area (such as butchering), to just let them know.
The variety of organic products Alison creates from primarily homegrown materials is amazing to be a part of. Her knowledge of different extracts and essential oils, fermentation of foods and wine, creation of salves and tinctures, and her work ethic for it all is inspiring to be around. Karl's expertise on plants and their propagation is incredibly vast, I've never seen a collection of houseplants and orchids so well taken care of anywhere in such huge and varying proportions. I am lucky to have met such interesting and dedicated people so early in my year of traveling; I'll miss them and the land trust community very much. I would absolutely go back and I can't recommend staying here enough :)
-Lexi S.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Javi) for host
I went to the farm in the midle of the winter for 3 weeks and i had a wonderful experiencie there, i worked in the "green house" with Alison and Karl, they have a lot of suculents and plants. i learned about gardering, their culture, clean energy(next to the green house, there is a solar panel), type of insects. Around the house are peaceful and
… read more their community is kind. I miss the Karl's popcorns, the teacups with Alison, all the animals and cooking your vegetables because it taste delicious. I hope to go in wine seasson to work with you!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Rachel) for host
Alison, Karl, Jason, and Kelly are hard-working and welcoming people. They treated me like I was a part of their community, which meant a lot to me. The area that they live in, Central New York, is absolutely breathtaking (especially in the Fall). They live on a Land Trust, which strives to equitably conserve the resources of the land between
… read more everyone living there. Just being there for three weeks, I learned a valuable lesson around the urgency of water conservation. They are people who think about the future of the land that they live on. They compost, reuse and recycle nearly everything. Not to mention that they live off-the-grid, as well as grow and raise what they eat. I ate some delicious rabbit stew and on a separate occasion, tomato sauce made by Karl. He also makes some wonderful hummus and goat cheese. Sometimes I would attempt to milk the goats, which I really enjoyed. He also has a greenhouse full of house/desert plants that he grows. Alison makes some decadent kombucha out of fruits that are grown on-site. She also makes pesto, pickles, dried herbs, salsa, soap, lotion etc. She wastes NOTHING. She hosts a dance night on Thursdays, where I was introduced to hula hooping, and a freeform style of dance. I helped harvest some root vegetables with Gary, who has worked with them for several years. I also learned how to peel and plant garlic for next year’s harvest. Jason, their son, and Kelly, his girlfriend, are currently restoring and hand-building a house on the family’s leasehold. They’ve been working day after day for about two years now. I was able to gain some insight and experience with carpentry from them. I slept in a large tent on a platform, on a comfy mattress, with several blankets, pillows and a military-grade sleeping bag that was lent to me by Jason and Kelly. Although the temperature was chilly at night, I kept warm and slept well. Staying at the homestead brought me closer to the earth, left me feeling more appreciative and yearning to learn more about sustainable living. Thank you Family!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Alice) for host
I had a great experience at the farm. I've learned a lot about taking care of the plants in the green house, planting, weeding and selling flowers at the market.
I usually started my days helping Karl or doing weedings, then I helped Alison in the Garden. Some days were more busy than others, depending on the weather mostly. Every hand you can
… read more give is apreciated, but it's very reasonable : you don't have to work more than you feel able to.
I particulary enjoyed the farmer's market on every saturday, the ambiance there is very nice and the clients are kind. I learned a lot about the flowers thanks to Alison and Gary (who works there).
I slept in a tent on a new platform, with a confortable mastress, in my sleeping bag and many additionnal blankets because the weather was still a little bit cold in may! I enjoyed to read whith a candle and to get up with my guinea henses friends "talking" around the platform.
Karl taught me about tropical plants, how to make yoghurt, goat cheese, milk the goats, etc... We had very great and deep talks about life. Thanks again for these precious sharing moments!!! Karl is very kind, curious, interesting and listens to good music.
He once took me by car to a trek on a sunday, few miles away from home, and drove me back to the farm when I was done. There are also nice walks around the farm.
Alison is a very dynamic and creative person! Sometimes she's very enthusiastic with many "little projects", so she regulary made sure that I was ok to do it. She's a patient and precise teacher, and a amazing broadway singer! Really, she can find a song for every thing, I was so impressed! We watched "Hamilton" together and I can promise she knows the entire music-hall by heart! She also took me to her choir rehearsals and to a funny and relaxing danse session. We had very interesting talks too.
Gary, who works at the farm, is funny and a very good english teacher. He helped me to traduce botanic books.
Karl & Alison's son, Jason, was also a good english teacher and he knows how to cook an amazing, incredible, rhubarb pie (and other good things!).
I keep precious memories! Thank you :DYou can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Averie) for host
I spent three weeks on the farm from late May to Mid June 2018. This was my first workaway experience and first time staying on a farm. My time with Alison, Karl, Jason and many other animal friends was wonderful and refreshing. I spent most days helping Alison in the garden and greenhouse watering, planting and weeding. We planted sunflowers,
… read more sorghum, potatoes and transplanted peppers into the garden. I'd never planted anything in my life and Alison was a very kind teacher. On Saturdays we loaded the truck and set up for the farmers market. This was a nice time to be in the community, try new foods and meet people. Other days I learned how to milk goats from Karl, harvest mushrooms logs and Jason even taught me how to inoculate shiitake logs. I had so many beautiful moments here. Some of my favorites were going to the waterfalls with Jason, having long conversations with Karl over his lovely early grey tea and popcorn, listening to good new music (bukuhara :D) and singing showtunes with Alison. There are so many moments that I can share and I look forward to going back soon. I truly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to spend time on a farm, enjoy and be with good people.
thank you so much for having me, I miss you guys!!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Miho & Misa) for host
Alison, Karl and Jason were very nice people! They are easygoing, and I learned a lot from them. I stayed for two weeks on August, but I wanted to be there more. I could milk goats, go to farmer's market as a vender, pick beautiful flowers, feed animals and harvest many vegitables like potatoes, beans, herbs... There are many good things people
… read more can do!! I really liked dogs, a cat and goats. They taught me not only agricultural things but also culture in the US, English and some Spanish. Also, Karl took me to very beautiful lake and waterfall. I experienced many things which I can't do in my country. I enjoyed being with them and miss them very much.You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
Left by Workawayer (Camille) for host
My experience with Alison and Karl was fantastic! They are wonderful people, ready to share their experience and knowledge. They are also excellent cooks! I stay a whole month (April) with them, learning how to take care of seedlings, how to prepare beds for plants, and how to milk a goat (who has been very patient with me)! The land around the
… read more farm is beautiful and peaceful, but not too far from a Greyhound bus station. I would go back there with great pleasure!You can only contact Workawayers who have an active membership.
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Information for those planning to visit the US
If you are NOT a US CITIZEN and are planning to visit to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information you need to contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling. Do NOT attempt to enter the USA without the correct visa!
Language practice
Gardening
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
