We have spent quite a bit of our time in past years traveling, experiencing life in other countries and learning from others. In 1999, we traveled through Europe with the boys as members of Servas International. During that trip we had the opportunity to live with over 20 families and learned more about other cultures than we could possibly imagine.
In subsequent travels, we met people who were members of WWOOF. World Wide Opportunites for Organic Farming also known as Willing Workers on Organic Farms. We are now host members of WWOOF and welcome inquiries from Registered WWOOFERS for internships here at Safan Ranch. Pictures and more about the WWOOF Summer 2007
If you are a wwoofer and are interested in learning more about our program, please send an email to wwoof at safanranch dot com you will receive an Automated response immediately after sending your email - which will tell you more about our program and what we are looking for from you. Any questions? just ask!
Our Current WWOOF Ad:
Safan Ranch is a very small biodynamic/organic family farm presently raising organic produce, pastured free range chickens (for eggs), guinea fowl, meat goats, and a few pigs. The garden is compact but produces a bounty for the farmers markets, weekly box customers and the household's needs. This year a new garden area will be added to make full use of the new solar powered water well that was recently installed.
We are located in the California Wine Country, (formerly the Gold Country) of the Sierra Foothills in Amador County, California near the historic Gold Rush era village of Fiddletown. We are approximately 2 hours from San Francisco or 45 minutes east-southeast of Sacramento; and a bit over an hour from South Lake Tahoe. Safan Ranch is a very unique and eclectic place.
We have 56 acres with a mixture of pastureland, garden space and woodlands. In addition, we have an extensive collection of visual art and curate the not-for-profit "ArtRanch at Safan Ranch" with a primary focus on Urban Art, Tribal (Asmat) and fine art paintings.
In addition to WWOOFERS, we regularly have artists in residence creating anything from graffiti murals to sculptures to large installations. WWOOFERS who have an interest in the arts are welcome to participate in this aspect of Safan Ranch as well. We are foodies (member of Slow Food et al), we eat well, love to cook and experiment, and prefer those who appreciate good food.
We maintain a Gluten Free household and can accommodate a variety of special diets. Meals are communal at the main house. Wwoofers will rotate assignments for food preparation, clean up and various communal chores for the entire group in addition to work in the garden or around the ranch. We try to be a very GREEN household, teaching others by example and adhere to environmentally sensitive practices as to the use/waste of electricity, water, and other resources, including car trips to town.
We typically host between 6 and 8 wwoofers during the summer months and up to 4 during winter months. Tasks and routines change depending upon the time of year and the weather but encompass working in the garden, with the animals, woodland management, and basic infrastructure. We are flexible with regard to the work week, but typically expect wwoofers to perform 30 hours of efficient work per week. i.e. 6 hours per day for five days or four hours per day for seven days. At times it may be more or less depending on the current project or time of year.
We are in a very rural area with no cell phone or high speed internet availability. Cingular service and WiFi can be found in Plymouth, six miles away. Lodging: We have a number of camper/trailers for private space or wwoofers can set up their own tent at the "Campsite" - which is well away from the main house. A small outdoor bath house with solar heated water is being built for use during the summer months.
We generally do not encourage children and cannot accommodate pets. For couples wishing to come to Safan Ranch, we would like to ensure that both parties are equally desirous to work, learn and participate. Minimum stay of one week, extention by mutual agreement after one week. We have no maximum stay.
We seek wwoofers who are energetic, enthusiastic, hardworking, self-starting, possess a positive attitude, good work ethic, and a willingness to learn.