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Welcoming volunteers to our mountain sanctuary in Nevada city, California, USA

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Welcome to our mountain sanctuary in the Sierra Nevada foothills, where animals, nature, and history come together. Our land sits on a historic gold mine property surrounded by forest, a pond, flowing streams, and nearby lakes and rivers. It’s a place with a lot of beauty, but also real responsibility and daily care.
    We share the land with a unique mix of animals including ostrich, emus, goats, dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, geese, and peacocks. Their care shapes the rhythm of each day and connects us closely to the land.
    Life here can feel magical at times; star-filled skies, the sound of water and wildlife, and quiet mountain mornings; but it is also hands-on and sometimes challenging. There are chores to be done, animals to care for, and outdoor projects that require effort and reliability.
    People who come here for the right reasons often find it deeply rewarding. There is space here to slow down, reflect, and enjoy peaceful, meditative moments in nature. Many helpers appreciate relaxing by the water, walking the land, and holding space for themselves when the day’s work is done. The balance of meaningful work and quiet time is part of what makes this place special.
    We welcome helpers who are kind, grounded, and willing to contribute with a good attitude, even when the work isn’t always easy. This is a great fit for people who are self-directed, proactive, and able to take initiative, as daily life here often requires noticing what needs to be done and stepping in to help. Those who enjoy meaningful work, quiet moments, and caring for animals and land tend to thrive here

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Charity Work
    Art Projects
    Help with Eco Projects
    Elderly Companionship
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Van life
    Sustainability
    Pets
    LGBTQ
    Farming
    Charity work
    Plant care
    Music
    History
    Gardening
    Drawing & painting
    DIY & crafts
    Cooking & food
    Art & design
    Animals
    Yoga / Wellness
    Winter sports
    Water sports
    Outdoor activities
    Nature
    Mountain
    Hiking
    Dancing
    Camping
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Farm to fork Meals
    The history of gold Mining in Northern California
    New Friendships
    Community
    Learning new skills relevant to living off-grid
    Caretaking of animals

  • Help

    Help

    Help We Need / What You’ll Be Doing

    Helpers become part of daily life here and help with a mix of animal care, garden work, and land projects.
    Typical activities include:

    Daily animal care:
    Feeding and watering animals morning and evening
    Cleaning pens, coops, and animal areas (including ostrich & emu areas)
    Helping care for dogs and cats
    Garden & plant help:
    Planting, watering, and weeding
    Pruning bushes, trees, and garden plants
    Tending garden beds, pathways, and fruit trees

    Land & property projects:

    Trail clearing and maintaining paths around the land, pond, and forest
    Helping keep the historic mine area safe, clean, and maintained

    General:
    Keeping shared spaces clean and functional
    Helping with seasonal projects (storm prep, summer maintenance, winterizing, etc.)

    Some days are more physical and busy, others are lighter and slower, but this is real, meaningful, hands-on work.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    German: Beginner
    Spanish: Beginner

    This host offers a language exchange
    Love to continue and freshen up on my German and Spanish. Open to learning any and all others

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Helpers stay in our hand-built adobe in a private spot away from the main house. It’s a magical, peaceful space where you can hear the stream running and the sounds of the animals. It’s comfortable, cozy.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    🌲 In Your Free Time / The Area
    In your time off, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most beautiful nature in the Sierra Nevada foothills. The property itself is on a historic gold mine and has a pond, streams, and forest, and we’re close to lakes, rivers, and endless hiking and exploring.
    You can spend your free time:
    Swimming or relaxing by the pond or nearby rivers
    Exploring forest trails, streams, and historic mining areas
    Hiking, nature walking, bird watching, or just enjoying the quiet
    Visiting nearby lakes, rivers, and mountain towns
    Resting, reading, creating art, or enjoying the stars at night
    This is a great place for people who love nature, water, history, and peaceful surroundings.
    Transportation:
    We are in a rural mountain area, so having your own car is helpful but not always required. We can sometimes help with rides to town depending on schedules, and trips can be coordinated when possible.
    This is a special place to unplug, recharge, and experience a truly unique part of Californi

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    Starlink is available at the adobe

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    Whether you need water and power or just a beautiful spot there are.many to choose from

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    All dependant. We have many free roam animals and they cannot chase or scare the birds and must play well with other dogs as we have 7 in total.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    Lost

    Lost

Host ref number: 977576336851

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