We joined a program called Worldwide Work On Organic Farms (WWOOF) three years ago. The program offers people the opportunity to work on farms or ranches in exchange for food and lodging. The program has strict guidelines for both volunteers (WWOOFers) and hosts. When we joined, we weren't sure how we would feel about having "strangers" stay in our home. We followed the guidelines and recommendations for screening WWOOFers and have thoroughly enjoyed everyone who has stayed and helped us with the ranch. Not only do we appreciate the help, we enjoy teaching the WWOOFers about livestock care, gardening and the projects that go along with ranch life (stacking hay, mending fences, splitting wood).
The first year (2019) we had WWOOFers stay for a short time -- no more than a week -- and they mostly came from outside the US. When COVID hit in 2020, we closed the ranch to WWOOFers. Last year, we had a few helpers, all local (California) and all fully vaccinated. This year, we have been flooded with requests -- from Europe, the US and Canada.
Our first WWOOFers of 2022 left today after a three week stay. Best friends from Maryland, they are on a gap year trip to explore National Parks and WWOOF. They have had many adventures along the way which they shared with us over dinner. During their time here, they helped me in the orchard painting the fruit tree trunks to prevent sunburn, helped build a trellis for my tomatoes and built a support for the raspberries. We had a number of trees come down in a big storm this past December and Lily helped Brett with that. He cut the trees up with a chain saw, they loaded the rounds into his tractor bucket, and she drove them to the wood pile and unloaded them. Lily fed all the animals and cleaned the pastures in the morning; Magnolia took the evening shift. They groomed the horses. Lily threw the ball for Sage endlessly and Magnolia baked some wonderful treats.
Magnolia is also a talented artist and offered to paint us a mural on the side of the chicken shed.
We were really sorry to see them leave. Our next WWOOFer arrives Monday -- from Germany.
I've never heard of the program, but it sounds wonderful, and what a blessing to get that art!
ReplyDeleteOh what a great program.
ReplyDeleteHaving strangers in your home can be trying, but it sounds like you have a good bunch! Always good to have a helping hand around a farm or ranch, and helping others learn is such a blessing.
ReplyDelete