Black Bear Farm

PO Box 408

Mendocino, CA 95460

707-962-0947

707-513-9964

pacificredwood@hotmail.com

We are a micro-Farm in Mendocino foothills in between Willits and coast. Seeking couple or single person that can take direction but also work independently.

Organic vegetable/herb/flower production for farmers markets and local businesses. Activities are propagation, (starting trays of seeds, grafting, planting), infrastructure (irrigation, greenhouse management), animal husbandry, compost, biodynamic preps, permaculture, weeding, watering, and other chores of a working farm. Our goal is to grow, eat and sell the most delicious, wholesome organic food and working to sustainability by practicing different farming methods such as Biodynamics and permaculture. We view our farm as a harmonious and integral part of nature and wish to cultivate our soil with that intent.

Looking for volunteer person/ couple to commit for the growing season April-October/November.

Preferably experienced with a couple years of farming under belt but not necessary if extremely motivated and fast learner. Must be mature, energetic, positive, have a good work ethic, be able to work outdoors in all types of weather and be able to lift 50 pounds.

Rustic, small cabin with loft, with phenomenal views and deck available with outdoor kitchen/bath facilities. Board is staple foods and food from the farm, usually vegetarian. We have an extensive library of horticultural books and encourage the interns to read, discuss and better learn techniques and philosophies relating to farming, permaculture, biodynamics and other subjects.

Non-farming activities could include (if desired) marketing, alternative construction, building animal housing and reforestation projects.

We are located on an amazing 160 acres of redwood property surrounded by thousands of acres of forest about a half hour from Willits in Mendocino. Our topography is hilly forested foothills with a temperate partially sea influenced climate. The farming area is located adjacent to the cabin, is very fertile and surrounded by flower beds with flowers and herbs that attract birds and butterflies. It can get quite hot in the summer but is usually interrupted by cool days influenced by marine air.

Mendocino county is a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts. Not far we have the ancient and gigantic redwood parks such as Richardson Grove, rivers to swim in, hot springs and many cultural activities.

The bulk of our activities will be planting from seed, preparing beds for cultivation, setting up drip irrigation and hand watering, fertilizing, weeding, integrated pest management and harvesting. There is also the possibility of taking initiative to bring produce to markets, deliveries and sales and may include paid hours if desired. There are also opportunities to gain experience with other activities such as canning and preserving, herbal medicine making, seed saving, and

We would prefer for the volunteers to have a car but for the right person/couple we could work together on that.

If interested please email or send a resume or a letter introducing yourself, and tell us your experience, references and what you hope to gain by volunteering. We are offering room and board and hands on education, in exchange of 40 hours a week. Stipend negotiable. We would like person/s to commit to the whole season but may be interested in other arrangements with a two week minimum.