Francis and Julie run a Bed-and-Breakfast and sled dog kennel on the 8-acre small-scale organic farming compound. Owned and managed by Francis, an Alaskan resident of over 50 years, and Julie, a retired educator with 32 years of teaching experience. We are former USDA-NRCS EQIP participants and practice experimental and research-oriented cold-climate growing methods including composting, nutrient/pest management, and high tunnel food production. We also offer educational and consultation services to Yup'ik villages along the Kuskokwim River interested in upstart farming activities.
Compound activities can include: seeding/transplanting garden and high tunnel, composting, salmon fishing, sled dog kennel maintenance, small construction projects, firewood preparation, meal preparation assistance--many places to fit in! You will have comfortable living accommodations and meals in exchange for four to five hours of work per day. A minimum of 2 weeks is preferred. We speak English and eat real food, organic and locally acquired when possible. Because of the proximity to the dog kennel, pets are not allowed.
Bethel has various seasonal opportunities for social, educational, and cultural experiences such as fishing and fish preservation, boating, canoeing, Saturday market, berry picking, bike riding, exploring the tundra, and community intramural sports events like softball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, sand volleyball, and more. If you like meeting interesting people on the western edge of Alaska, join us!
Things to know about Bethel and the compound: We work on the compound 7 days a week, however, WWOOFers get one day a week off. We meet in the morning over coffee or tea to prioritize activities and offer instruction. Sometimes you will be working independently on projects. Jobs require bending, stooping, lifting--and energy. Generally, breakfast and lunch are self-serve meals. Dinner is usually a group effort. Your cell phone may not work well in Bethel, however Wi-fi is available.
Everything in Alaska is expensive from travel to food to utilities (ex: milk $12/gallon, gas $6+/gallon). We are happy to house/feed you but ask that you live a conservation-conscious lifestyle. For example, much of Bethel is on a hauled water/sewage system. We get water delivered once a week and sewage is backhauled. Please come with a water-conscious mindset. If you come in the summer during subsistence fishing activities, please know that you can ride along in the boat but will not be allowed to fish, as per state and federal regulations. You may help preserve fish (i.e., smoking, canning, or freezing). If you hope to participate in the commercial fishery, a commercial crew license is necessary and can be negotiated with the boat's captain. We have 14 sled dogs kenneled on the compound. If you have severe allergies to dogs and cannot be near them, let us know.
Organic methods: ladybugs
Certifications: we are not third-party certified for organic farming. We do not use insecticides or pesticides on the property, but we do fertilize the raised beds.
Current projects: planting crops, preparing for flower and vegetable sales, weeding, tearing down old chicken coop, sandbags for erosion control, prepping for painting projects, firewood splitting and stacking,
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Wild foraging
Flower farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Traditional crafts
Methods or systems
Holistic management
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
Host type
Production farm
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Hectares
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1
Acres
