Please consider joining us on 200 acres (80 hectares) of rolling Eastern Ontario hills, old orchards, hay fields, green pastures, ponds, native forests and trout streams. We have made our special part of the planet into a sheep farm of about 200 ewes with an integrated free-range laying-chicken flock. The main field crop is hay and seasonally, we make maple syrup and do forestry work, but these last activities are more of a hobby. There is also a collection of rescue creatures such as alpacas, ducks, guinea-hens, geese and goats that have no defined purpose other than entertainment.
If we have good help, there is about a 1/2 acre of vegetable garden available. There is an old orchard of apple and pear trees that are managed by mother nature and the sheep. Forest management and maintaining nature trails is done for fun as are harvesting of native herbals like sumac, rose-hip, nettle tea and juniper berry as a spice.
The working philosophy is to integrate each aspect of the farm with another so that environmentally disruptive chemicals are not "required" to sustain production. Care of our own little piece of the planet is the central theme. We are "re-wilding" some parts that should never have been cleared and we practice our own form of permaculture to make the farm part of the system of things both natural and human influenced. This includes working with select local food-stores to process their food surplus with ecology, waste diversion from landfill, resource conservation and community cooperation in mind. We have a system that doesn't need commercial fertilizer to enrich the soil. Composting, water-table preservation and bio-diversification are key elements of our stewardship and effort at working with nature.
While keeping in mind that this is a commercial enterprise that sustains us, we try to keep the farming fun, an enjoyable life experience and not just another treadmill set of chores.
We have enjoyed the company of some special vegetarian guests, but visitors should understand that this farm produces meat, and we are dedicated omnivores. We take our nutrition seriously and regard diet decisions as a window into the workings of the mind. So, if you are a vegetarian of any sort or just a plain "picky eater"... be prepared to help us with what you need to eat (and expect to be teased about it).
We are on the edge of a vast expanse of Canadian bush. The cross-Canada trail runs through the farm (part of an old railway system) and this gives us great access to the surrounding countryside. Deer, coyotes, foxes, bears, hawks, eagles, ravens and all manner of wildlife are a cherished part of the farm experience.
Many of our wwoofers take the time to visit nearby cities such as Ottawa, Toronto (and see Niagara Falls!) and Montreal. On the other hand, for a more natural experience, some look to back-packing or canoeing in Algonquin Park which is just to the north, or a picnic at Sand Banks, just to the south. Many other provincial parks and conservation areas are close by.
Wwoofers have been a wonderful part of our farm-life and we are looking forward to each new guest. We treat everyone as part of the farm family; everyone does their share and works at what they can do to make this a special place.
What to expect in terms of hours and work as a volunteer: There is a natural rhythm and we respond to it. So there are no days of the week as animals need care every day. If you are tired, you rest, if you need a break, you take it. Everyone has their own energy cycle that has to be respected. The important thing is to be happy both at sunrise and sunset.
Organic methods: no commercial chemicals or medications, just common sense farming
Certifications: self certified
Current projects: many....
Internet access available
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Poultry farming
Cattle farming
Sheep or goat farming
Forestry
Meat processing
Renewable energy production
Food justice / sovereignty
Mechanics / tools / technology
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Biodynamic agriculture
Holistic management
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Production farm
Certified organic
80
Hectares
|
197.7
Acres
