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Permaculture project helper

4.5
(23 reviews)23

The experience

I'm creating an edible forest on a former steep hill farm around my comfortable, clean house. We deweed and trim, plant and harvest, control pest organically, enhance soil quality, mulch, mulch, mulch, enjoy the view, help with household chores, relax. I am looking for hard working, strong, proactive and independent, quiet people who like a hands-on experience in a beautiful setting and wish to spend time outdoors and in community.

What you offer

30 hours of help per week

Cleaning: Help clean the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and common areas.

Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.

Farming: Plant crops, sow seeds and help in outside tasks.

Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens

What you get

2 days off per week

Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.

Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.

Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.

Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.

Free Laundry: You can use our laundry room freely.

Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.

Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely

Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely

Requirements

Between 21 and 65 years old

Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers

United States visa or citizenship

What's not included

Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa

Program Details

I'll show you all there is, land, plants, tools, will discuss what should be done, teach you along the line more details and techniques, let you work in teams and alone.

Help me prepare the soil, maintain the fruit trees, plant edible crops, collect fruits, cut the grass, clean the fields, come up with ideas or help me realize mine. There is always something to do!

I expect an independent person (couples/friends welcome) who enjoy a simple life and outdoor tasks. The house offers comfort and security, internet, an equipped kitchen (no oven). Meals are mostly cooked by me, kitchen helpers welcome.

The three plant-based whole-food meals daily are taken together. Good conversations welcome. No phones at the table.

Activities & Shift

Even though the farm is in the mountains it's still in the hot tropics. We work from early in the morning until 11AM and again after 3PM for five to six hours a day. We keep mostly out of the sun between 11AM and 3PM. So expect to work in the morning and in the late afternoon (showering, eating, and relaxing in between) and enjoy leisure time while the sun is too hot and after dinner.
There is NO public transportation. Every 7 to 14 days I might drive to a grocery store where you're welcome to come along. No fridge space. You can bring non-perishable snacks. No food in the bedroom. The longer you'll stay, the higher the chance, that you'll get to enjoy a little group outing (a beach day, a ride to San Juan or to a close by nice spot).

Rules

Most of the time there will be other people in the house - volunteers or friends or family who come for a visit. I'll be there most of the time (I am taking care of my mom who lives 90 minutes away, and sometimes have meetings in San Juan and might stay over night or have to take care of other business).
All meals are taken together at approx. 6:30AM, 12:30PM, and 6:30PM.
I cook plant-based whole-food (vegetarian/vegan).
No smoking, no drugs, no noise, no pets.
Be respectful and kind and clean up after yourself.