Our farm is situated on 36 acres 2 miles west of Taylors Falls. I found this property when I was looking for a new house to care for my mom (who had Alzheimer's) in. Since I was looking for something new, I also wanted to look for a place where a dream of starting an orchard could be realized. While living in Bloomington, I experimented with a system in my backyard which proved peaches could grow successfully in a hostile winter environment with temperatures as low as -35°F. The system worked especially well organically with minimal energy input and removed 2000 miles of carbon footprint to provide the same delicious stone fruits locally! Now that I have the farm, I do all of that on a larger scale in high tunnels as well as maintain ongoing research with dwarfing pear tree rootstocks, new stone fruit varieties, fruit seedlings and cold weather nut production. I steward the uncultivated acreage with earth friendly practices that promote a naturally healthy habitat for the creatures all around us. I traveled extensively in Europe and speak basic German, Guten Tag!!
My vision is for the farm to be a place of healing (physically, spiritually and mentally) for people of all walks of life. My family experienced a lot of loss and I have a heart for others who have as well (I endeavor to be an open, transparent person and remain open to share parts of my story with you as we get to know each other). My vision is for people to experience something here they might not be able to otherwise. I’m not completely sure how that vision will unfold but am open to seeing what is in store for this farm. What I know for sure: I need to share what I have been so blessed with which is why I started hosting campers via Hipcamp and AirBnB.
I feel I have a gift as a teacher and love to share this knowledge. Though not academically trained in horticulture, my hands-on passion to discover and learn has contributed to the success of the orchard, especially in organic peach and apricot growing.
You can choose to stay in your own camper or tent or you can stay in my house (depending on the group size).
I recently completed an outdoor brick oven. Imagine how fun it will be to cook your organic, wood fired pizza in that?!
The pizza oven has been a great gathering place for the Farm community around here and our lucky neighbors.
I currently have three high tunnels with both peaches and apricots in them, the ongoing discovery of which of the 60 cultivars work best is always producing delicious surprises every year. I also have apples, pears, and plums on the property and a half acre of experimental heart nut trees. With a developing project for high tunnel blueberries (you may help put that up if you decide to come!)
I also currently have egg laying chickens on the property and grow flowers for their beauty not necessarily for sale.
I ask that you WWOOF for 25 hours a week. Depending on the season, I can be flexible with your time if you want to take an extended time away to canoe down the river to camp or go explore the area (I would be open to lending you camping equipment). Just as long as the schedule is discussed in advance. We are looking for a mutually beneficial relationship and are open to creating a schedule that fits both parties. My intention is to form an atmosphere where we feel like family.
Typically you will help from 7-12 Monday- Friday. Depending on the project/weather I may request you work full days but will be mindful of the hours you have put in. We will discuss what projects and duties you will be responsible for the next day at the close of each day so you are prepared for the next morning. I so appreciate hard working people who like to take initiative.
We can be flexible with meal options and are open to whatever you prefer to do (see the meal planning/sharing section). I can accommodate gluten free, dairy free diets and will provide basic food needs, it will be your responsibility for specialty items you may need. PLEASE be aware that we DO eat meat and dairy. three healthy meals a day will be offered.
I am open to WWOOFers from the beginning of May - October.
We can discuss accepting families
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Flower farming
Seed saving or production
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Renewable energy production
Food justice / sovereignty
Methods or systems
Holistic management
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Production farm
14.6
Hectares
|
36
Acres
