Educational homestead near Yellowstone focused on self-reliance and community

Montana

29 reviews • Updated 8 months ago

Located in Emigrant Montana and Paradise Valley. 30 minutes from Yellowstone National Park. 10 minutes from Chico Hot Springs. Hike, fish, white water rafting, sight seeing, rodeos, skiing and more! Bring a bike if you have one! The home base is a 4 acre home site in a rural community. We are developing an educational homestead for people interested in self reliance especially living in community. Here we are creating an educational center for off grid sustainable living. We encourage people to take on a project, one that maybe you create that is a good addition to the homestead. We have daily check-ins to establish honest communication. If you like some early morning yoga you can join us in the living room. Bring your vegan receipts we love to share the food experience! There are plenty of tasks to choose from and plenty of down time to enjoy our area. These may include plant identification trips to the local national forest etc.. The focus is to develop more of the property which may include some construction, dedicating some future forest garden areas (maybe create a place to grow mushrooms) and create some terrace garden beds. Also, some other property infrastructure improvements which will include a small solar array, to hook up to The Hut for an off grid experience and whatever else we come up with. Permaculture is the emphasis. That is what you can learn. You will co-create with us... help retro fit existing buildings, garden plots, expand and maintain current gardens, develop interpersonal relationship skills, land use planning and design, create micro climates, forging wild edibles, maybe take part in community activism. Get involved, this is all about lifestyle. Construction and gardening skills helpful. Main focus is connecting with like minded people who might want to consider a transitional lifestyle. We currently have a private room available. We don't take on more than 2 wwoofers at a time. Construction projects include finishing outdoor shower and bath house. Garden projects include maintaining existing garden. Develop some forest gardens. Develop a water catchment system for passive irrigation. Expand the herb garden and develop some cash crops (herbs, sunflowers, raspberries).This is an on going project. Do not expect a large farm. We are in a small acreage subdivision and are expanding our facility into a very sustainable homestead. You will be involved in the process. If you come to expand your boundaries you will have fun:) We are looking forward to connecting with people who are serious about changing their lifestyle. The Permaculture motto is Care of Earth, Care of People and Sharing Supply. Organic methods: Permaculture techniques creating an eco system that allows (for the most part) the natural process of the living envirioment to take care of itself. Certifications: we are organic gardeners not conerned with being certified Internet access available

Learning opportunities

Wild foraging

Seed saving or production

Traditional crafts

Methods or systems

Biodynamic agriculture

No-till farming

Permaculture

Host type

Self-sufficiency property

Former WWOOFer

1.6 Hectares | 4 Acres

WWOOF-Verified

Accommodation

2 WWOOFers

Yurt / Tipi

Cabin / Mobile-home

Children not accepted

Pets not accepted

Meals

Omnivore

Vegetarian

Vegan

Length of stay

1-2 weeks

James & Marian

Member since 2013

Languages spoken: English Response rate: 96% Response time: typically within 2 days

November 2025

Open

Planned visit

Closed

MapLibre | Protomaps | © OpenStreetMap

Montana

Bozeman Montana

Reviews

Jordan

United States • October 2025

Marion and James were AMAZING. I felt like family for the short time I was there. The view of the mountains was lovely and the distance from Yellowstone was very manageable. I got to eat with them every morning and afternoon. Since it was getting close to winter there was not a ton to do in the garden, so naturally I felt the workload to be welcomed! I learned about different kinds of plant nutrients and gardening techniques to have a homestead. This experience was truly nurturing for my soul. Marion and James are very special people and I am honored to have had the opportunity to spend the time I did with them!

Maggie

United States • October 2025

I will be forever grateful for the week I spent here with James, Marian, Marilyn, & the mountains. So much to say. This was a struggle to stay within the word limit :) 1)if you're a first-time WWOOFer, fear not! I came in w/ little outside experience and was met with so much kindness, patience, and a wealth of wisdom to take in. Everyone is so knowledgeable, communicates expectations clearly, & also enjoyed getting to read the books on permaculture & gardening that were in my tiny house.:) 2)if you're an introverted person, and traveling out West to a place you've never been to stay with people you've never met feels intimidating, also, fear not. Coming from the East coast as a first-timer & solo female WWOOFer felt like a leap for me, but it's one I'm so deeply glad I made. James, Marian, & Marilyn made me feel welcomed into their space from the beginning, and I felt at all times free to share any questions/concerns/musings as they came up. Loved our morning meditations & check-ins, discovering the ways in which their practices aligned with my own, and also just, the feeling of being accepted as I was. Truly a gift to my life. The food was incredible, and accommodating to my vegan diet for which I am SO grateful. Area is probably the most beautiful place on earth I've been in my life thus far. Rented a car, was grateful I did as there are so many hiking opportunities just a short drive away! and the STARS at night. But I won't give anything else away.:) THANK YOU!!

Micah

United States • September 2025

Jim and Marian were like second family to me! I felt cared for and respected, and really enjoyed diving into their mindful and intentional lifestyle! Our morning check-ins made me feel at ease and listened to. They are the most generous, kind hearted, compassionate people you will meet! If you want to learn from some amazing people with a passion for Montana and the earth, certainly stay with Jim and Marian! I miss you guys already! :)

Kaitlyn

United States • August 2025

I feel so fortunate to have ended up in Montana at Jim and Marian's! They are such kind and welcoming people who made this stay so wonderful. We had such wonderful conversations, and I learned so much about gardening, sustainability, health, and life. Their property is also absolutely stunning and full of veggies, fruits, herbs, and flowers that are incorporated into every meal! I really cherished our daily green drink and check ins, care for one another, and positive energy all around. I'm leaving this experience with a clear head and a full heart.

Emma

United States • June 2025

Jim and Marian's place was so special. They are so kind and we learned so much from them. We had conversations about wellness, gardening, cooking, and living a peaceful life. Loved working in the greenhouses and outside in the gardens. The most beautiful homestead we have ever seen! So grateful for our time in Emigrant, such an amazing WWOOF experience. 10/10!

Sirena

United States • June 2025

I only have beautiful things to say about my stay with Marian and Jim. I felt incredibly supported by them and their community on my first WWOOF journey. There is so much intention and gratitude behind every action of theirs. I loved working in the garden with them, and especially loved overhearing Marian speaking to the plants to encourage their growth :) I learned a lot about myself, the land, and the interconnectedness of us all through their grounding practices and calming energy. Also they are amazing chefs!!! Shout out Marian for that morning green drink. I highly recommend staying here if you have the chance to.