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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
5 Feb 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 18 days
Feedback
16
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Details
Description
Spring 2024!
So when we say learn to live sustainably, It is just that! When we first bought the farm, coming from Chicago our first real intention was to KNOW Exactly Where our food was coming From. Perusing the grocery aisles, do we ever really know? As the farm developed, our goal slowly was being realized. Our coveted relationships with the Amish and Mennonite communities fill in all the gaps in our drive to LIVE on our own.
However our small farm, still has a lot of growing to do. We raise sheep and have two donkeys, chickens , ducks, rabbits two Guineas named Gilbert and Gilligan and no children. Goats are next! We hope for cultural exchanges along with 4 to 5 hours of help, 5 days out of the week, not including meal prep and clean-up. Spring.is here so fertilizing and trimming bushes, planting, at the farm needs to be done. We recently purchased a pretty large Tractor that you will learn to use. It helps to mulch and lift heavy things, Hoorah!
We wrapped up an outside shower supplied by filtered rain water, or Not, that will be amazing to use. Privacy fencing posts are in so that is almost complete. We have outside laundry facilities and WIFI. This exchange does not include any children just a lot of animals that we take care of and love.
Our recent somewhat lengthy trip to New Zealand and recently Europe is where we learned so much about sustainability. This trip opened up a world of ideas needed to live on our own with very little outside intervention.
We are finishing up a greenhouse with long raised beds to maintain soil quality and provide crops in the colder months. A seeding shelter for propagation is in the works.
We have recently upgraded our wood working tools to “top of the line”,if anyone has the passion and or skill to use them. If you have an interest we will teach. Painting and carpenters skills are always helpful. We are hoping for a website soon and could use help with our new Mac computer. if you have artistic talent, Mosaic is my new passion and we will support any of yours Imagination challenges during your stay here.
Location!
We are 60 Miles north of Nashville for your love of All music, not just “Country”. We are happy to help with getting you into the cities when needed. We do have internet; so vital while traveling. We are located on quite a large lake that we never seem to have time to go to. Great helpers is the best excuse to make it a priority.
Mammoth Cave National Park is near by, which have biking and trails abound.
You will have your own sleeping space small but nice, helpers have loved the privacy of the loft in the barn. Two weeks is the minimum stay on our farm. Smoking outside only. We eat all foods and I am talented at vegetarian cuisine.
We also ask for a copy of your passport, or valid US Identification, and that you consider yourself safe from the dreaded virus.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Learning sustainability and the practice of it have numerous benefits for our health and planet. We try to run our farm and our personal lives with that in mind. Sometimes it's not always easy to be consistent but once you get better at it , It becomes easier. So that's what I hope to teach our helpers.
Having been a worker and also hosting myself, I realize We have so much to offer in the way of cultural exchange. But selfishly I want to also Learn from my workers. I Remain in touch with many of my volunteers and it has been a great joy for us.
Help
Of course on the farm we need help in various areas, feeding watering maintaining pastures. All other projects we will work together. It is just as important to Us for the cultural experience as is the help you lend. My only requirement is that you think safety, can help unsupervised and are a self-starter. And buddy you better clean up daily after working on your project, :) cleaning and putting away your tools. :)
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Single bedroom small but nice in the main cottage. In the summer months we have a loft in the barn that many helpers have absolutely loved giving them their own privacy. Shared bathroom,
For couples a snazzy retro motor home with all The amenities.
What else ...
We are located on a large Beautiful lake. I Love to fish and we have a boat that never seems to get in the water. This is a beautiful area to hike and cycle, (we have bikes) and the nightlife of Nashville can be obtained. We love our National Park nearby, Mammoth Cave, and camping on days off is not out of the question.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
We have good WIFI. However we would all work starting in the morning, until the help perimeters have been met. I would need convincing about any other arrangement.
Space for parking camper vans
I have 30 amp hook up and water assessability. But care should be taking during the winter months.
Can possibly accept pets
We allow for pets. However You and They must understand that Fric and Frac our two donkeys, take care of our sheep So they can be harmful to dogs if your pets are not well trained.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Feedback (8)
The main projects I worked on while I was there: building… read more
he stayed a month and we accomplished so much. Specifically the help with the fencing and layout, rabbit cages to move that project forward, and his dedication to the hoop house.
He loves music, to play and sing, and along with other… read more
That Man did not let us down! He supported us on fence projects, taking care of the animals
In the morning, and digging so many holes. He is willing to learn always and was a great help
To us and Our farm!
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.8)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.6)
The main projects I worked on while I was there: building… read more
he stayed a month and we accomplished so much. Specifically the help with the fencing and layout, rabbit cages to move that project forward, and his dedication to the hoop house.
He loves music, to play and sing, and along with other… read more
That Man did not let us down! He supported us on fence projects, taking care of the animals
In the morning, and digging so many holes. He is willing to learn always and was a great help
To us and Our farm!
We had a blast! Cheryl and Murray made me feel welcomed from day 1, and they always made sure that we were happy and comfortable. My boyfriend Matthew and I slept in their 70's style motorhome and we enjoyed it. They taught us a lot about carpentry and DIY… read more
She was motivating for us and ever so talented in ways that I can barely comprehend.
She happily brought them all to the table.
Like a few workers that come to the farm as students or working remotely, she never let that interfere with the daily work tasks, which shows not only respect for us… read more
Here are the reasons why: They equally understood Safety regarding tools, use of safety gear etc..especially tools they had never used before. I tried to make sure they both learned about the same tools, if it be a Skil or Pole Saw. They worked very hard, knocking out their work exchange without… read more
Samantha with her sharp wit, was just a joy to have around. She took on every task with relish, and hung in until completion. She was a leader in a big project with raised beds and other helpers and it was a relief for me.
She’s a cheesy kind of gal.....when it comes to her diet :) and we had lots of laughs.
Thanks again… read more
I had so much fun working with them both and learning about their lives and experiences.
Cheryl in particular is an extraordinary individual and exemplifies what it is to live life to the full (as well as being a… read more
I must say he worked really hard on our farm.
Spring is a difficult time on any farm, lots of digging and moving fertilizer and leaf mulch, and he never complained or gave us any hint of displeasure.
I tried to make sure he ate well and usually with my other helpers that he stays entertained. Unfortunately, with the… read more
