Garden Intern Wanted for Ekone Ranch

Our ranch is 1060 acres of permanently protected forests, meadows and steppe at the edge of the Columbia River Gorge in south-central Washington State. An off-grid, non-profit, working ranch, home to year-round programming teaching sustainable living to children of all ages, the nation's first modern wilderness cemetery, and a residential community dedicated to stewarding this special land with reverence.

We grow food for community residents and children attending summer camp with a focus on permaculture principles and ethics. We are transitioning towards edible forest gardens.

We are a hard-working, lighthearted, self-directed crew and expect the same from our volunteers.

We offer room and board in exchange for 25 hrs/week of labor. Transportation must be taken care of by the volunteer. We cannot provide for children or pets at this time.

If interested please contact Susan at ekonesusan@lipsky.net

Find out more about us at www.ekone.org

Please don't take this as a negative response. I've been looking at intentional communities for a while now and feel the need to offer my opinion. 25 hours a week is 100 hours a month. That's 63% of a full time job and it only covers room and board. M-F 8am to 1pm for example doesn't leave a lot of time to pursue personal interests or other income. If a person got a $10/hour job at a farm, which is totally reasonable(and usually includes at least some food from my experience), for 25 hours per week, they'd have $1000 a month to spend on their own land. Rooms and rv spots typically rent for $250-600/month and mortgages on a lot of properties are similar so, in theory, a person could work between 25-60 hours per month instead of 100 and spend the rest of the time in their own garden, doing things their way. In my opinion, your requirements aren't in line with the current state of the economy and the value that a skilled worker can provide in 100 hours. Also, with so much land, not allowing pets is a shame. I've never met a good farmer that didn't have a dog or two. It might be easier for you to find experienced, dedicated help if you revised your requirements or offered some income opportunities.

With all of that said though, there are probably people out there that would value the learning experience and ignore the numbers. I sincerely wish you the best in your endeavors!

Yes, Michael, clearly we are not a fit for your needs and most likely many others. Best of luck to you and all.

I'm really glad that I didn't offend you. In your original post, the first three paragraphs really resonated with me then I got to the next one and got the double bummer...again.

I'm sure you'll find the perfect intern.

I am moving to Klickitat county Washington in August & would LOVE to chat with anyone who lives in the area or who would like to organize in & around that area... Projectperfectdayz@gmx.com

I will not & do NOT want to be an intern as fees to become one are complete bs in my opinion... If what is happening on the "farm" or whatever is NOT producing enough for food & lodging for the extra help the why bother joining up with ANOTHER corporate structure!

BUT, if indeed there are any WHOLESOME people that feel that money is no object then let me have it!