About the farm:
Previously Reverse Pioneers microgreens farm, host Kasey (that's me!) is transitioning the farm grounds into a visionary, multi-faceted venture offering an immersive blend of farm goods and tours, camping, event hosting, music, and education. Set on 10 acres in central Texas, all aspects of the farm operation are rooted in the principles of land stewardship, community, creative expression, and sustainable living. Built upon an ethos that connects human well-being with the health of our planet, Sound Ground is designed to attract eco-conscious travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and creative communities who seek a genuine connection with nature and one another.
About your host:
Kasey has lived on the property for 9 years, 8 of which she operated as co-founder of a microgreens business with her spouse at the time. Together with her two young children Louisa and Hugo, she aims to continue building a dynamic on-farm community of WWOOFers, short and long term renters, and community guests. She integrates permaculture, regenerative agriculture, holistic management, and other ecologically sound agricultural strategies in her land management practices. She is very mindful of her farm community and seeks to create safe and considerate spaces for all involved to work purposefully and grow together. This is primarily achieved through conscious communication and clear agreements, as well as thorough training and casual bonding opportunities.
Ethos and Philosophy:
People Are Nature. Recognizing that humans are an extension of nature, we emphasize the importance of reconnecting with our physical bodies, natural spaces, and living foods in order to avoid physical, emotional, and mental dis-ease. As such, land care is equal to self care.
Mission:
To steward this piece of earth into resilience and abundance, and teach others to do the same in their available spaces. To empower individuals to reconnect with themselves as nature, celebrate creativity, and drive sustainable change.
Length of stay:
2-3 months or longer preferred. Shorter stays also considered.
Aside from a longer stay being beneficial due to the time-consuming nature of training, I have also experienced that WWOOFers get more out of a stay in which they can become more confident in their work and experience shifts in flow and seasonality. A stay of 2-3 months after an initial 2-week trial period works great. When the stars align, these "seasonal" stays have become as long as 9-18 months; as an enthusiast of dynamic communities, I love it when that happens! Occasionally I can also accommodate shorter stays, depending on availability of space and projects, so don't be shy to ask. Can assist with finding local employment, if desired.
Hours and basic provisions:
12-15 hours per week in exchange for housing and a few food amenities (based on availability.) You will provide the bulk of your own food, though I host bi-weekly farm dinners where you will be thoroughly fed and entertained. ;) When there is an excess of garden goods, bartered goods, or bulk produce, I pass that wealth on to my farm community. On weeks with no farm dinner, WWOOFers are asked to attend a brief farm meeting. The dinners/ meetings are both on 2 week rotations and swap each week.
Tasks (depending on season and other factors):
Garden building and maintenance, brush/ trail work, farm stand maintenance, signage, food preparation, tool and grounds organization, and other ongoing projects. Farm priorities as well as unique personalities and interests will contribute to an individual’s task list.
Lodging/amenities:
An "efficiency apartment" inside my house, complete with private kitchenette and bathroom. A cute and clean RV with kitchen, toilet, and shower. For short term workers, a clean canvas bell tent with a comfy bed, outhouse, and outdoor shower. Good cell phone reception on the land and decent internet inside the house.
Goals:
Manage brush to minimize fire hazard, stop erosion, and maximize water cycle efficiency. Install basic earthworks to manage water flow. Expand gardens. Improve property signage. Clarify trails. Seed natives and wildflowers around the property. Build two more outhouses with outdoor showers. Re-design farm stand with improved operations. Host work parties and community events.
Other:
Children are welcome. Pets will be considered on an individual basis. No pets inside the house.
As a previous WWOOFer and WWOOF host of many years, I am well acquainted with how to promote a successful and enjoyable host/volunteer experience. This is primarily based around open communication, mutual respect, community bonding time, and an orientation towards personal accountability and growth. I encourage communal activities, both scheduled and impromptu, and will do my best to invite you into conscious communication and collaboration. Disagreement and uncomfortable conversations are totally allowed as long as respect and growth are also at the table. Aside from that, I respect your privacy and encourage you to express your introversion and extroversion however you wish!
Local attractions/fun things: There are several wonderful state parks within an hour drive, and our own local Blanco State Park is just a few miles up the highway. The neighborhood road provides a peaceful if somewhat boring jog/ bike ride. We have a piano, guitars and ukuleles, and fire pits. Music, art, and hammocks encouraged. Languages spoken fluently: English. Languages of interest/ spoken brokenly: Portuguese, French, and Spanish.
Organic methods: No biocides whatsoever are used. To maintain garden health, I rely on soil health methods such as adding organic matter and spraying microbial compost teas, as well as integrated pest management strategies that include herbs, flowers, and overall plant diversity. When possible, I implement plastic-free growing methods as well.
Certifications: I am not organic certified, but use organic and "beyond organic" methods.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Beekeeping
Flower farming
Seed saving or production
Cheesemaking
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Green Building
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Biodynamic agriculture
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Mentoring opportunities
Woman-operated
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
Former WWOOFer
4.1
Hectares
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10
Acres
