Frequently Asked Questions
WWOOF FAQ
What should I bring with me?
You will need clothes appropriate for farm work including closed toed shoes, gloves, and a sun hat, clothing for hot and cold weather. You will need camping gear including a tent, sleeping pad and a flashlight or head lamp, sleeping bag (or sheets and blankets ( I do have a few to share if you are low)). Biodegradable toiletries, a towel. A good work ethic, positive attitude, open mind.
Nice to have, Non Required items include: shoes to wear in the river, acoustic musical instrument, battery operated alarm clock, ipod/cd’s, lap-top computer, your own vehicle, a bicycle.
What if after I arrive, WWOOFing does not work out?
Sometimes Either WWOOFEer orWWOOF host feel that the situation is not a good fit. More often WWOOFers here extend their stay and nine out of ten WWOOFers leave Living Hills happy for their experiences. WWOOFers are free to leave at any time, just as WWOOF hosts are free to kick-out a WWOOFer at any time. Once in a while a WWOOFer is not able to complete their agreed upon stay because it just does not feel like a good fit. Past reasons WWOOFers have chosen to leave Living Hills early include that the accommodations were too rustic for their comfort, they found they were very allergic to poison oak, or they found that they do not want to do hard work. Reasons I have chosen to ask WWOOFers to leave early include they did not complete their 25 hours of work per week, they had a hot temper and yelled at me, their dog killed my chickens.
Can I come for a tour/short visit?
No. Living Hills is not an institution open to the public, but a private home. We welcome only a small number of WWOOFers each year who want to make a commitment to learning and caring for the homestead. We do not offer tours.
What is the shortest amount of time I can WWOOF at Living Hills?
Our minimum stay is 4 weeks.
Can I bring my dog?
Well behaved dogs are sometimes welcomed. To be successfully accepted here a dog needs to be well trained and stay out of the garden area. A dog needs to ignore the chickens. A dog needs to bark an appropriate amount. A dog needs to stay in an unfenced area without wandering. If your dog can follow these rules your dog maybe able to come to Living Hills with you. I had a super dog I loved like a daughter. We were together 1993-2008. I miss hiving a dog on the land but not any dog will fit.
Can I bring my children?
Would you live with your child in a construction zone? There are power tools, second story floors without walls, rattlesnakes, mountain lions, swimming holes without life guards and other dangers. I’m happy to discuss the option of hosting a child age 10 and older who wants to WWOOF with their parent or guardian. Young children, under 10, are not appropriate.
How can I get there?
The best way to get here is in your own 4x4 vehicle. This give you the best option to come and go between the land and town on your own. A 2 wheel drive vehicle can park by the paved road and a WWOOFer can walk in the last ¼ mile to the land. As a WWOOFer you can come to Willits by bicycle, public transit (such as Greyhound, Amtrak or Mendocino Transit Authority) or by hitchhiking and I can pick you up and drop you off at the end of your stay. During your stay rides are limited and at my convenience. A bicycle is nice to have when in town.
What expenses can I expect while WWOOFing at Living Hills?
You might like to buy some of your own food beyond the basics I provide. Depending on your tastes this might include beer, sweets or coffee. Other expenses WWOOFers are responsible for include travel to and from Living Hills, biodegradable toiletries, phone calls, meals at restaurants, and other personal needs.
Can I have visitors come see me at Living Hills?
All visitors are subject to the same screening process and agreements as other WWOOFers. If you have friends or family in the area you are welcome to visit with them off the homestead.
Can I leave during my stay?
Sometimes WWOOFers want to take a break during their stay. This is possible for WWOOFers staying for an extended stay. For example Sean and Stephanie were here form May to August but left for a week in June for a family wedding and took a week off in July to spend time in San Francisco. WWOOFers are expected to make up 50% of their work hours if I hold a space for them while they go. Same as you can’t expect a discount on your rent because you travel.