Avant Gardens - Cazadero CA Cazadero - Volunteers Base - Free Volunteering and Work Exchange Opportunities.

Location: Cazadero, CA, United States

Our family welcomes volunteers in the spring, summer and fall on our 80-acre piece of land high on a ridge just inland from the Pacific Ocean in rural northwestern Sonoma County, about 2 and 1/2 hours north of San Francisco. We have a diverse property, with seventeen acres deer-fenced. This fenced portion contains our home, extensive ornamental and cut flower gardens and a large vegetable garden. The balance of our property is mostly forested or in the process of being reforested. Our family consists of parents and property-owners, Tim Schmidt and Susan Avant, sons, Nate and Marcus (ages 16 and 17), two Australian Shepherds, and numerous cats. In addition, we have a milk goat and several kids(Nubians) and make a variety of cheeses during the milking season, beginning in early May. We also have a flock of chickens, which provide eggs and entertainment. Our hundred year-old pear and apple orchard provides endless opportunities for pruning, harvesting, drying and preserving fruit. We have a large greenhouse for the propagation of flower and vegetable seeds and ornamental cuttings. Numerous opportunities exist for someone who enjoys a variety of garden, farm and ranch work in a remote and beautiful setting. We also participate in at least one farmer's market each week from June-October. Our sustainable forest activities include the thinning, pruning and planting of redwood, fir and pine trees and brush clearing. Basic construction skills and/or knowledge of drip irrigation systems and ability to operate or maintain a rototiller, lawnmower, chainsaw and other small power tools would be extremely helpful. Amenities include an above ground lap pool, tremendous views, clear and starry nights and a friendly and cooperative work and family atmosphere. We are moderate meat eaters and love to cook, but welcome vegetarians. Tolerance for and desire to be around teen-age children is important! There is also plenty of room for privacy, escape from activity and solitary pursuits. A car would be almost essential, as we are not close to public transportation. However, we can pick you up at a nearby bus stop if you are coming without a car. A small travel trailer is available, but some people choose a tent or the great outdoors in the summer. The work day begins at 8:30 am. volunteers put in five to six hours/day of work five to six days/week (we ask for a total of about 30 hours/week of work and a minimum stay of 3 weeks). We are remote from the conveniences of urban life, but we are not socially isolated. volunteers who choose to volunteer with us need to be comfortable with their own company as well as being able to fit in to a farm and family routine.