Help with a non-profit art & nature education campus in southeastern Louisiana, USA

Details

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  Description

  We are a multicultural family running a nonprofit nature reserve, sculpture garden and outdoor education center located in the heart of Louisiana’s Cajun country, that aims to inspire people to steward the nature in their own backyards and learn how, collectively, we can protect these natural gifts for future generations, through art.
  
  Within the 30-acre nature reserve, restorations are ongoing by sculpting the lands with specialized native species, reestablishing ‘Cajun’ prairie, planting over a thousand regionally native trees, creating wetland habitats for declining amphibians and rare fishes, creating pollinator habitats from native hibiscus, swamp milkweed, and many more regional plants to aid declining butterflies, native bees and others, and traditionally growing food without pesticides using permaculture, Creole and other indigenous methods.
  
  So far, hundreds of local youth and other community members have helped with the restoration of the land and participated in our programs.
  
  We live on the property along with chickens, ducks, sheeps, bunnies, guinea hens, a dog and a turtle. For our "day job", we work from home: my husband is an artist (eco-art/bio-art) and biologist and I am his studio manager. We are a pretty fun family and love welcoming people. We are open to ALL.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Charity Work

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Teaching

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  General Maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Events & social

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Charity work

  

  Farming

  

  Plant care

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Art & design

  

  Music

  

  Writing

  

  Performing arts

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We are a multicultural family (French, Tunisian, Swiss, and American) living in a one-of-a-kind corner of the world. Staying with us means getting a real taste of life in Louisiana’s Cajun country, where French heritage, Southern hospitality, deep cultural traditions and rich ecosystems all come together. You’ll have the chance to experience the region’s vibrant music, unique food, and many festivals that happen nearly every weekend in the spring and fall.
  
  We’re just 30 minutes from Lafayette, 45 minutes from Baton Rouge, and 2 hours from New Orleans, so there’s plenty to explore nearby. Right in our area, you'll also get to know the small but very creative community of Arnaudville, where artists, musicians, environmentalists and community organizers are doing exciting things.
  
  Volunteering with us is hands-on and meaningful. You’ll learn about native plants and animals, sustainable food practices and how art can help people reconnect with nature. You’ll be part of a community project where your ideas and curiosity are welcome, and we’re always happy to share what we know.
  
  We also love learning from our visitors, their story, skills, and perspective. Whether it’s cooking a favorite dish, teaching us a few words in your language, or simply sharing what life is like where you're from, we’re always curious and eager to listen. We welcome new ideas for projects, or community activities. We've made many real friendships through Workaway over the years, and hosting has become a beautiful way for us to keep learning and growing.
  
  Around the dinner table or out in the field, we love sharing stories, meals, and music. We love to cook food from around the world using local and seasonal ingredients, there will definitely be good food!

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  Projects involving children

  This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

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  Help

  We are currently looking for help getting ready for our annual Halloween Art & Nature Festival, a free-to-the-public event to celebrate Halloween, Louisiana's special natural surroundings and planet Earth, through art, music, food and science. In the months leading up to the festival, there’s a lot to do, and we welcome volunteers who enjoy being part of a team and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty (or glittery!).
  
  Tasks may include helping us get the nature reserve looking its best (clearing trails, removing invasive plants, setting up outdoor spaces, and making sure everything is safe and welcoming for visitors). There’s also plenty of behind-the-scenes help: helping with artists and the community to create decorations or props, painting signs, helping craft spooky or enchanted installations, and organising materials for our hands-on activities with kids and families. If you enjoy creative projects, nature, and teamwork, this is a fun and rewarding time to get involved.
  
  Closer to the festival, we may also need help with setting up the event, welcoming guests, assisting with workshops, or helping things run smoothly during the day.
  
  No special skills are required, just an interest in art, nature, and helping with community.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  You will stay in our studio space.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We have fiber internet in the nonprofit building and in the house

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Any size welcome, we have 30 acres, we will fit you in...

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  Can possibly accept pets

  Dogs are welcome if you feel like they will not hurt the wildlife or the chickens.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Turtle Swift

  

  Rougarou

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