Derrick

Travel information

I am currently

Description

Hi! My name is Derrick and I live in a beautiful 90 acre forest in Western Kentucky. For over 20 years I worked with my family doing commercial real estate development and managing a 400 acre farm, some of which has been in my family for over 160 years.

In 2015 I got my bachelor's degree in biology and spent several years working on research projects involving biodiversity studies and parasites of insects. During this time I was fortunate enough to be a part of projects in the Alaskan Arctic, Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, and Mammoth Cave National Park. Between 2017 and 2019 I managed a research lab at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. During that time I became very interested in regenerative agriculture.

The last two years I have been transitioning parts of the farm to regenerative practices with help from the Organic Association of Kentucky. A few of these practices include composting, vegetable production, and forest farming.

I did my first workaway in western France during March - April of 2022. It was a great experience and I am still in contact with some of the people I met. I would really like to experience more of what other people are doing to make their properties/communities healthier and more productive.

Hobby wise, I spend a lot of time outdoors. Love hiking, kayaking, camping, scuba diving... Also, like to read, cook (only a decent cook but enjoy trying new things), watch movies, and practice mindfulness techniques. Definitely love meeting new people!

I am used to very hard work and look forward to learning and participating in other peoples visions! Will be happy to answer any questions and provide references for potential visits. Thank you! Derrick

Interests

Languages

Languages spoken
English: Fluent
German: Beginner
Spanish: Beginner

More details about my language interests
Would really love to improve on German and Spanish.

Find a language buddy

Skills and knowledge I'd like to share or learn

I'm interested in:  

Gardening

DIY and building projects

Languages

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Some knowledge of:  

Life at a Farmstay

Eco Projects

Helping around the house

Hospitality/Tourism

General Maintenance

Animal Care

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Able to teach about:  

Teaching

More details about your skills

A few of the things I have experience with are livestock management, fence building, drystone wall construction (took classes and have done my own projects), operating many types of farm equipment, and organizing group projects.

Age

51

What else ...

I am very interested in learning more about building with natural materials, especially stone and cob.

Some more information

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  Smoker

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  Driver's licence

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  Allergies
  No

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  Special dietary requirements
  No