If you're motivated to learn about perennial agriculture, woodlands and prairie, aren't afraid to work and enjoy being outside, come stay with us for a bit.
Summer is the time we maintain our orchards through mowing and weeding, sometimes adding compost and mulch. We also tackle our woodlands with loppers, clippers and any other blade that will set back multiflora rose and honeysuckle. Doing this gives others room to grow and returns diversity to the landscape. It's hot, sticky work but we try to have fun and keep the conversation going!
Suzan has 15 years of experience growing perennial crops on multiple acres. She has attended scores of organic and farming conferences to learn about wash/pack sheds, growing specialty crops, organic practices and more. She loves to mentor new and aspiring farmers. Paul is slowing down these days but is still willing to teach WWOOFers how to make a great loaf of bread from scratch and talk anthropology with anyone who'd care to ask.
Our farm enjoys diversified revenue streams including Hipcamp, donations from events and sales of fruits and nuts. We're located 7 miles north of I-80 and 25 minutes from Iowa City, a university town with a vibrant farmers market and lots of live entertainment. If you have your own car, you can catch the many festivals and live music Iowa City and Davenport offer. Some folks visit the caves in Maquoketa or make a day trip to Backbone State Park.
You get a private room and bathroom and kitchen. We feed you three good meals a day (omnivore). We seldom expect an average of more than half a day's work (4 to 5 hours) though you can do more if you like. You'll have plenty of time to relax, hike, explore, fish, watch birds and deer, shooting stars and more. We have a bunch of chickens and three friendly dogs - a Bernadoodle named Chilly, a CockaTsu named Lil Bit and a Red Heeler/Collie mix named Gunnar.
Suzan will be outside working alongside you, teaching you what she knows and learning from you too. We eat at the table for all meals unless we choose to eat lunch in the field. You're welcome to bring snacks to eat in your space.
We are a progressive, comfortable homestead transitioning to on-farm sales of excess produce and freeze-dried goodies. Check out the reviews to see our long history of being popular WWOOF hosts! Only contact us if you're truly interested in organic and natural food production, prairie and timber maintenance, thanks.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Forestry
Wild foraging
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Renewable energy production
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
Host type
Production farm
29.5
Hectares
|
73
Acres
