We're a homestead striving for sustainability in the woods of Maine near the Saco River. We seek both helper visitors for shorter term residence and folks seeking an opportunity to join us as co-homesteaders. Your hosts here greatly enjoy conversation about deeper topics like philosophy of life. We are not politically attached left or right. We're part of the new coalescence from all political views who feel what's needed is a return to respectful discussion and balance through negotiation of differing values and views.
The energy and beauty of this homestead and land is incredible. The people here work steadfastly to create an environment of good energy, camaraderie, cooperation, experimentation, curiosity, and fun alongside our serious commitment to hard work, efficiency, and integrity, as well as right-relationship with all beings and all that is. We offer a broad spectrum learning opportunity to beginners and especially those interested in pursuing the homesteading life. We are small scale and are still learning ourselves so we welcome you to work alongside us. We will happily share our knowledge as well as listen to your ideas. Our family has a history of unschooling so we take lifelong learning very seriously around here.
Areas of activity include: all aspects of gardening from starting seedlings to nurturing and pest control to harvesting; greenhouse work; food usage/preservation including cooking/baking, canning, drying, freezing, fermentation; animal care & management (chickens, ducks, rabbits and some years pigs); animal harvesting; and construction projects (on the list are outdoor kitchen with cob oven and canning station, greenhouse addition, outdoor bathhouse, screen house). Additionally, our on-farm business offers opportunity to engage in building of wood products such as picnic tables-great fun! While you're with us you could take part in the highly active Permaculture Meetup group in Portland (about 30 minutes from us) offering a wide variety of opportunities including Permablitzes and educational workshops. Also we have an extensive library covering all aspects of the homesteading life which you will be welcome to use during your stay. Maine is active in sustainable farm start-ups and other aspects of a healthier approach to food as well as helping young people become farmers.
You will be provided with living quarters (The Tiny or full camping set-up), or you may camp with your own tent, with use of a composting toilet and the shower in the house and with healthy food, some produced on the homestead. The Tiny is pictured and includes a comfy chair inside and a 6x6 screened gazebo. Our camping set-up is a nice canvas tent with extra wide cot, a well appointed kitchen area roofed and screened, a 10x10 screened room and a picnic table. Sometimes the whole gang gathers for a shared meal, but mostly meals are cooked separately from provided food. When there are multiple helpers they often share meals as well. The area offers swimming, use of the farm's canoe, walking in the woods, biking and the general beauty of Maine. And naturally the whole gang sitting around the campfire for good conversation and music. We seek lifelong learners with a passion for sustainable farming, the ability and willingness to work hard, the maturity to thrive in a cooperative, shared-living setting, and positive traits such as perseverance, thoughtfulness and a good sense of humor. Depending on the circumstance we may be able to accommodate 2 people traveling together.
Certifications: We're growing food for ourselves and do so healthfully.
Internet access available
At our farm you will not be required to be Covid vaccinated.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Poultry farming
Raising of other farm animals
Seed saving or production
Meat processing
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Beer, cider, wine, or juice making
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
