Disaster relief, sustainable farm & earthship community center in Aguada, Puerto Rico

Details

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  Description

  Hello!
  
  Welcome to our farm. We run two small operations: A farm and a non-profit dedicated to Sustainable Disaster Relief.
  Our farm is located on the west side of the island in beautiful Aguada Puerto Rico, and is comprised of a tropical hurricane resistant Earthship community center, a honey bee 🐝 rescue business, goats in a vertical integrated pastor, happy chickens and lots of ever-growing foods; over 300 pineapple plants, over 500 bananas , breadfruit (pana) trees, ginger, and lots of root vegetables like malanga and yautia. If there are any know allergies to Bees we ask that you please refrain from participating.
  
  In addition to growing lots of local fruits and vegetables, we tend to our animals, also have dogs and compost heaps. It is also not uncommon for you to witness the birth of some of our animals. Because of our location in the Caribbean tropics, plants and wildlife grow incredibly quickly and there is always lots of trimming and gardening to be done here. We have all the tools you will need to perform these tasks.
  
  We are currently working on the Casita located behind the farm. We are in need of experienced workers who have worked in maintenance, and construction. We may ask you to assist in repairs/projects and maintenance on / around our eco-structures, perform heaving lifting (up to 50 lbs), farm maintenance ( cleaning weeds and planting) Please expect to work in hot humid conditions. Expect to sweat! We have plenty of cool, fresh water from our well on the farm to keep you hydrated.
  
  We have an outdoor kitchen that you can use to cook and store your food. Some ingredients will be provided from the farm to help you compliment your dishes. Grocery store is a 5 min drive away (Selectos) and a cooler will be provided to store. Although at times you may occasionally receive meals you must be responsible for your own food and cooking when not. We also have toilets and showers, but we only allow biodegradable soaps and cleaners. Transportation will not be provided at all times for the farm has other outside commitments, be it bee removals, personal and family, or work. You will still be at times invited or asked to go to help or enjoy. This is just a heads up so everyone knows what to expect.
  
  We are early risers, and need morning people! our day begins promptly around 6:30 am to milk the goats and feed the animals... we don't expect our volunteers to start that early, but we definitely appreciate early birds. For our wonderful Workaway'rs we ask that the day begins at 9am and you give us 4 hours of your valuable time.
  
  We speak fluent Spanish and English here. Feel free to communicate to us in either language at your preference. Please let me know what skills you may have to help, and if you have any requirements or needs.
  
  We are so excited to meet you and welcome you to the farm.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Technology

  

  Pets

  

  Sustainability

  

  Farming

  

  Charity work

  

  Culture

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Plant care

  

  Animals

  

  Gardening

  

  Carpentry

  

  Architecture

  

  Nature

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Mountain

  

  Beach
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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

  Volunteers on our farm will learn about solar energy, stormwater management, erosion prevention, water catchment/filtration, raising animals by grazing and other natural techniques, Earthship design principles, apiary development, eco-construction, composting and vermiculture, and so much more!
  
  Our farm is 100% Boricua and we are proud of that. You will be fully immersed in Puertorican culture through food, language, music, and dance while you stay with us. We invite you here to work, but you will have a glimpse into our daily lives (and fun) as well. We love that our family get to be surrounded by beautiful people from all over the world who have a common goal; to make the world green and sustainable.

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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

  Our farm functions as a community center, our nonprofit is a disaster relief organization, meaning in the case of a natural disaster we are out working side by side with first responders, it also means we always need to be prepared on the farm to help our neighbors. Because of our community presence, it is essential to keep planting and growing foods !
  
  A few essential projects that are on the list this summer to get hurricane ready are ;
  
  - Working on finishing up building and working on the casita behind the farm.
  
  - Working on building stairs and walkways throughout our property as a safety measure for visitors. We use pallets, pounded tires, and other industrially-foraged or up-cycled materials to build stairs and paths.
  
  - We are also working on erosion-prevention, as our farm is susceptible to erosion due to heavy rainfall in this area of Puerto Rico. We are located on a hill. We need people to help stabilize the land by planting strong plants that will anchor into the ground and stabilize the structure.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent

  This host offers a language exchange
  This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
  You can contact them directly for more information.
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  Accommodation

  You will either be staying in an earthship with other volunteers or be camping. There will be tents and air mattresses on site for volunteer use.
  There is also an outdoor kitchen, cooler, showers and toilets for our volunteers. We provide standard basic food supplies (eggs, spices, pasta, etc).
  
  Please also be aware that we cannot provide transportation for you to go to the store, beach, or anywhere else. Sometimes we may be able to give you a ride. We may be able to arrange airport drop-offs and pick-ups if you can schedule it ahead, and we may not be the ones giving you a ride. *PLEASE FLY INTO AGUADILLA airport!* Linea Sultana is a shuttle service that takes you to Aguada, as well as Manny Taxi service. We are happy to try to accommodate your needs .
  Thank you in advance!
  
  List of Farm Must Have's:
  -Head lamp or flashlight
  -Sturdy close toed shoes (Keens are a good work shoe brand)
  -Water shoes for off day waterfalls and hikes! (recommended)
  -Biodegradable shampoos and soaps
  -Wide brimmed hats
  -Sheets and pillows
  -Shower slippers
  -Towels (at least 2 recommended!)
  -Insulated water bottle (always good to have)

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  What else ...

  There is a lot to do in our corner of Puerto Rico, but most notable of these is the beach. In Aguada we are near the coastlines in Aguadilla, Rincón, and Mayagüez. If you are renting or own a vehicle, please feel free to explore the island in your free time. Surrounding us are beautiful surf opportunities, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, hiking, and local cuisines. There is so much to be seen!

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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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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  Rabbits

  Goats

  Chickens, Turkeys, Ducks and more!

  Different Exotic Reptiles

  Claudi

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