Found in 2008, the farm is an evolving 11-acre, volunteer-based farm dedicated to ethical food production/distribution, ecological land use and community. Using organic and sustainable methods, we grow a diverse variety of vegetables and fruits for local food donation venues, workers, and paying members. The farm raises chickens, sheep and bees in addition to practicing prairie and savannah reconstruction. Land stewardship activities include prairie restoration, crop rotation, minimal tillage, cover cropping, and permaculture and regenerative farming inspired practices. We promote community interaction by hosting regular potlucks, a variety of classes and workshops, and other social events. We welcome persons of all backgrounds, spiritual beliefs, genders and sexualities
Participants will share in physical farm labor, daily planning, group cooperation, meal preparation, and working with volunteers. Depending on the timing and length of your stay, you may be able to participate in farm classes, natural dye, seed saving, food preservation, prairie management, or the farmers market.
All meals are provided though WWOOFers are expected to contribute to cooking and food prep/cleanup. Most of the food comes from the farm! We can accommodate omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan diets. Simple room and board are provided (limited access to air conditioning and running water). We have a variety of indoor / RV sleeping quarters (all bug free!) and access to a storm shelter. We cook and eat in an outdoor kitchen and have an outdoor shower.
Our farm crew and volunteer harvest crew work together from 7-10 AM on Tuesdays and Fridays from May-October. Our interns/core farm crew generally work from 7-3 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Farm class takes place on Wednesday afternoons. Group breaks are scheduled for a morning snack and a lunch we prepare and enjoy together. WWOOFers would be asked to join us for harvests and expected to provide 30 hours of labor/week during their time with us. (Talk to us to plan your visit!)
We are in a rural location about 12 miles from Ames, IA (population ~67,000). We host potlucks and social events on the farm throughout the season (May-October). There are educational/fun opportunities on the farm, including natural dye, fiber art, seed gathering and saving, food preservation, and music/singing. We like to go swimming at Peterson Pits on hot afternoons.
We also offer Agroecology Internships from May to October each year. Internships are a minimum of 8 weeks. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit our website and go to the Internships page to read the full description. Our 2025 internship applications are open! Please apply by March 15, 2025!
We accept visitors from May to October. Long-term visitors start with a 1-2 week trial stay. Use of recreational drugs and excessive alcohol consumption are prohibited at the farm.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Viticulture
Beekeeping
Flower farming
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Traditional crafts
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Rotational grazing
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
4.5
Hectares
|
11
Acres
Accommodation
