Interested in the preservation of nature? Learn new environmental practices while volunteering in California! Check out more details on this HelpStay gig:
Overview
- Location – Ukiah, Mendocino County, California
- Host – Kirsten
- Duration: 7 days
- Minimum Age – 18+
- Available Spots – 2 helpers
- Weekly Hours – 20 hours
- Room Type – Single Private
- Meals – Full-board
- Nearest Airport – San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Experience the breathtaking mountains of Mendocino County, California, by lending a hand in eco-forestry, carbon farming, and permaculture. Assistance is needed with infrastructure development and eco-forestry practices that focus on carbon sequestration and reducing fire risks.
Tasks include land and forest cleanup, light chainsaw work, and managing biochar burning. Additionally, help with wool processing for spinning, dyeing, and weaving is welcomed. This is a great opportunity to exchange skills and knowledge while contributing to sustainable practices.
Work is done at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to appreciate the beauty of this ridge-top home, enjoy delicious meals, engage in thoughtful conversations, and share stories. The community also includes many wise elders who offer invaluable wisdom.
Tasks
Tasks vary with the season and include land cleanup, coordinating art projects, chainsaw operation, brush hauling, tending burn piles, digging bioswales, weed-whacking, and other homestead maintenance activities focused on fire prevention and landscaping.
Light carpentry or fencing work may also be required. Household duties could include routine cleaning, meal preparation, and food preservation. Occasionally, assistance with fiber arts-related tasks such as sorting and cleaning wool, natural dyeing, spinning, and weaving may be needed.
Accommodation
Accommodation includes a double bed in a small loft bedroom in the main house, or a tent or outdoor queen canopy bed, weather permitting. Shared meals and access to the family kitchen are provided. Food is supplied for self-preparation, and communal meals are encouraged.
Location
The nearest airports are SFO, Oakland, or Santa Rosa. Transportation can be arranged from Ukiah after taking an Amtrak bus or airporter. The homestead is approximately 10 miles outside of town. For extended stays, pick-up can be arranged as far as the Bay Area.
Ukiah, California, nestled in the heart of Mendocino County, offers a laid-back and nature-filled escape. The town is surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards, making it a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts. You can explore the local wineries and enjoy some wine tasting while soaking in the scenic views.
For those who love the outdoors, Ukiah has plenty to offer. The Mendocino National Forest is nearby, where you can hike, camp, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the forest. Lake Mendocino is another popular spot for outdoor activities, such as fishing, boating, and picnicking. The area is also known for its hot springs, with several options nearby for a relaxing soak in mineral-rich waters.
Downtown Ukiah has a charming, small-town feel with local shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore. The Grace Hudson Museum offers insight into the area’s history and Native American culture, while the Ukiah Valley Golf Course provides a beautiful setting for a round of golf.
For a unique experience, consider visiting the nearby redwood groves. Montgomery Woods State Natural Reserve is home to some of the tallest trees in the world, providing a serene and awe-inspiring environment to explore.
Ukiah also hosts various events throughout the year, including local farmers’ markets, music festivals, and art fairs, giving visitors a taste of the vibrant community spirit. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a bit of both, Ukiah offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Northern California.
More Information
Enjoy local summer swimming holes, hiking among towering redwoods, relaxing in hot springs, attending local theater and music events, and exploring the legendary Mendocino Coast.
The host is a single homesteading mom living off-grid in a back-to-the-land community, offering nature immersion retreats, wholesome family meals, hiking, and socializing with like-minded neighbors.
The community is dedicated to land stewardship and eco-forestry, with many skills to share, and help is needed with various land projects, from gardening to carbon farming.
