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Eagle Feather Organic Farm |
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Guests There are many types of individuals that visit our farm. Typically they fall into one of the following categories: Volunteers/Agrotourism – Guests who visit the Farm for a few hours during the day. Volunteers bring their own food to the farm, but are provided the tools that they need to complete their work. Volunteers take home finished products (such as fresh herbs, plants, seeds, etc.) and work a couple of hours. Interns – Guests who live and work on the Farm for 2 to 14 days. Interns work 7 hours a day (Monday – Friday), and are provided accommodation and one daily meal (or monetary equivalent). Farm Workers – Guests who live and work on the Farm for a minimum of 2 months, maximum of 4 months (full season). Farm Workers are provided accommodation in exchange for 2 hours of work and provide their own food. Farm Worker season is early April – mid-October. Apprentices – Guests who live nearby and are interested in learning how to grow herbs and start their own farm. Apprentices visit the farm regularly for a minimum of one year and participate in a custom learning program. Accommodations: The accomodations on the Farm are comfortably rustic. There are several different sleeping areas including: The Loft is a private, enclosed room with some furniture that is accessed by climbing a small indoor ladder in the Multi-Use Building. The Loft is perfect for travelers using an air mattress or who have their own sleeping mats/bags, and would like close access to the bathroom and kitchen. Depending on how many workers are on the Farm, the Loft can also be used as a dormitory. There is electricity and a wood stove heater in the Loft and several windows that keep it plenty cool during the warmer months. The Hermitage is a private one room cabin a 3 minute walk up the hill from the main farm area. The Hermitage has no electricity, but has screened windows for fresh mountain air. There is a wooden bunk bed frame with a single sized bed on top and double on the bottom. This is a great private space for short or long term guests. For comfort, sleeping mats are highly recommended. The Yoga Room is a large multipurpose room with various pieces of furniture including a small couch, several chairs, desks, etc. The room features glass French doors, plenty of electric outlets and lots of screened windows. The Camping Platform is about a 5 minute walk up the hill behind the main farm area. This wooden platform is ideal for tent camping as it offers a wide flat surface in the middle of beautiful forest. Guest Amenities: Restroom: There is one restroom available for all workers to share (typically there are not more than 4 workers at a time on the Farm). Shower: There is a private outdoor shower with hot water that features a gorgeous view of the mountainside. Kitchen: There is an outdoor kitchen that is covered with a roof. It has a 2 burner electric cook top and counter space to work on. There is limited refrigeration offered and water must be brought from a faucet (less than 20 feet away). Guests may bring their own coolers/containers for their own food storage. There are pots, pans, plates, cups, utensils, and bowls to use depending on how many workers are currently staying. It is helpful to bring your own eating utensils such as plate, bowl, fork, spoon, knife, etc. Food: No meals are typically provided unless specifically discussed before your visit. Some guests will work a minimum amount of hours per day in exchange for a daily meals (see Guest Categories above). Laundry: There is no washing machine on premises. There is a clothesline. Guests are recommended to use one of the several laundromats in Asheville (45 minutes east of the Farm). Wireless Internet is now available. Types of work: The farm operates on the moon cycle so the specific type of work needed is constantly changing; however, some basic examples include: Basic farming including planting, harvesting, weeding, watering, etc.* Farm upkeep including organizing, cleaning, and rearranging supplies *Although some farm work may require lifting, no work will be required of any guest that is beyond their capability or comfort level. Guest Guidelines: It is imperative that the plants grow in as natural a setting as possible, therefore no tobacco products (cigarettes, chew/dip, etc.) or illegal drugs are allowed on Farm property. Alcohol is allowed, in moderation. We like to keep a peaceful work environment, so no loud music may be played, however guests are welcome to bring their own headphones if they like to enjoy personal music as they work. Since all of us share work spaces and tools, it's essential that every one clean up after themselves not only in your personal sleeping area, but also in the kitchen, bathroom, potting shed, etc. Tools and supplies should be cleaned and put back where they belong after each use. When using an outdoor shower like the one that we have at the Farm, it's very important to use environmentally friendly cleaning products. All products should be biodegradable, so we recommend bringing those made by Seventh Generation, Brommer's, etc. These types of products are becoming more readily available in mainstream stores, however natural groceries (Whole Foods, Fresh Market, etc. are also a good place to find them). Water is precious in the mountains so we take quick, but enjoyable showers to conserve as much as possible. All food scraps, with the exception of meat products, are put in the compost (then covered with leaves) to help fertilize the soil. Everyone will take turns taking out all other garbage and recyclables off the Farm. No open fires are allowed at the Farm without permission. We prefer wood to deteriorate and turn to dirt rather than to be burned and create air pollution. We typically have fairly early mornings, so quiet hours start at 10pm (all electricity off) and all guests should be on the property by 11pm, unless specific arrangements have been made. These recommendations help keep a peaceful environment for everyone. We sustain a nonviolent atmosphere at the Farm, where everyone respects each other in a positive way. Any conflicts between guests and/or staff are resolved in a respectful and positive manner. Respect for the plants and the Farm is also essential. Guests should stay on marked paths through the forest for their, and the plants, safety. Living on the farm is living in a small community. Guests should think of their fellow workers like roommates and respect each other as such. Guests should always ask questions if they don't understand any of the tasks they are asked to complete. It's always better to double-check with staff before continuing on if there is any question. Guests provide incredible help to Farm staff, so we don't want to have to redo any of the guests' hard work. Proper Attire For your comfort and safety we require wearing the proper attire while working on the Farm Garden attire: the weather varies greatly from one season to another, but lightweight clothing is always best as its protective enough from sun and dirt, but is also not too warm. Closed-toe shoes, not sandals, are recommended. Forest attire: socks and closed shoes, long sleeved shirts and long pants are essential when working in the forest to protect your skin for any harmful plants (such as Sister Ivy). We welcome guests from all walks of life to the Farm and hope that your stay will be not only enjoyable, but educational and fun! For more information please contact Robert Eidus |
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This information provided by: (828) 649-3536 |
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