Founded in 1997 , we are a 244 acre working Biodynamic ranch and Whole Systems Learning Center. We are located in the Central Rocky Mountains at 6,500 ft elevation near Carbondale 35 miles from Aspen, and a 3 hour drive west of Denver, Colorado.We offer several short-term WWOOF opportunities that rotate throughout the season with a two-week minimum stay. Longer WWOOFer work/study stays can happen if it is good for all concerned. WOOFERS should expect to pitch a tent but sometimes a temporary RV is available. Meals are provided mostly from our Biodynamic ranch production of meat, raw dairy, veggies, herbs, ... What we do not produce we buy local organic first. Typically for our lunch meal we cook and eat together. We see this as an important time together for a more full experience. Much learning happens around the table. Breakfast and dinner our crew & staff fends for themselves. We also offer 2-6 internships/ apprenticeships positions for a commitment of eight months to one-year long intensified learning-working in the various integrated field areas of our whole farm organism and Whole Systems Learning Center. We are currently accepting applications. Internships/ Apprenticeships typically run late March thru mid-November with other interns committing to year round stays. Internships/ Apprenticeships in, Rural and Urban Food Production, Livestock, Dairy, and Management Intensive Grazing(MIG), Even with a focused study all internship/ apprenticeship work and learn across all the dynamic system layers of the ranch. Intern/ Apprentice Reflection “At Sustainable Settings I was intensely engaged in the soil fertility cycle, working daily to care for all the life on the ranch. We milked, slaughtered, planted, cultivated, harvested, maintained machinery, made premium compost, and irrigated fields, cut and put up hay and more. We studied and practiced Biodynamics, making and applying all the BD preps, and coordinated our activities with the rhythms of the year via the astrological planting calendar. We ate the fruits of our labors. I was deeply nourished by homegrown, nutrient-dense dairy, eggs, veggies, and meat that I knew the source of. Co-founders Brook and Rose LeVan along with a Herdsman, Garden Manager and guest luminaries in the various fields of Biodynamics and sustainable/regenerative agriculture mentored us in the theory and practice. This is truly a Whole Systems Learning Center: Biodynamics, Permaculture, Management Intensive Grazing, green design and building, invisible structures and the fundamentals of business management, community building events and learning opportunities. I was also exposed to other experts in organic bee guardianship, holistic management, medicine making, timber framing and more. After a year at Sustainable Settings as an intern I could see the depth of what this place offers and returned for another year to complete my Biodynamic Apprenticeship (NABDAP) training.” - Cache Stone Hunter, Sustainable Settings' Intern and NABDAP Apprentice 2015 and 2016INTERNSHIPS/ APPENTICESHIPS The Intern/ Apprentice's responsibilities include project-specific hands-on research and demonstration in beyond organic/ Biodynamic farming. We work on the production of produce, herbs and flowers, a raw dairy, 100% grassfed dairy cows, sheep, pasture raised chickens and all aspects of Biodynamic, sustainable agriculture. An Intern/ Apprentice's time here may include on-site green building, renewable energy systems, designing, building, animal husbandry, working on value-added products, marketing through our CSA, and ranch store, helping with programming, mentoring students from area schools, making and using Biodynamic preparations, learning to work more closely with Nature's rhythms via the Biodynamic astrological planting calendar, and occasionally helping/ volunteering in the greater community. i.e. volunteering for Carbondale's seasonal celebrations.Housing is provided for full time Interns/ Apprentices. We can currently provide three to four housing situations on a first come first serve basis. Limited camping until housing is found is available. Couples are welcome to apply. NO PETS ALLOWED. English is the main language spoken on the ranch. Meals are prepared mostly from the Biodynamic/ beyond organic food we produce on the ranch and all staff & interns cook on a rotating schedule through the week. To apply or learn more visit our full intern pages on our web site. Study our website then go to our Intern pages to learn more about this opportunity: http://sustainablesettings.org/internships/ NO PETS. No substance abuse permitted. Come eager to learn and work and have fun!
Organic methods: We are a Bio Dynamic ranch which is "beyond" organic. We make BD preparations on site and sell them across North America.
Certifications: Bio Dynamic, Regen Certified
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Poultry farming
Dairy farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Methods or systems
Biodynamic agriculture
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Production farm
97.1
Hectares
|
240
Acres
