Volunteer

Country Living — Want to Try It Out?

The fields are currently resting, but growing season will be here before we know it. As we prepare for another season of shared work, learning, and connection, we welcome work-travelers and work-stay guests who value growth, sustainability, authenticity, and care, and who are interested in contributing meaningfully to life on the Estate.
Applications are now open for the 2026 season.

What We Offer

  • A place to pitch a tent or park you rig

  • A balanced, home-cooked dinner on days you work

  • An invitation to our weekly Wednesday potluck, affectionately known as Family Dinner

  • Access to the common areas of the Gauger House during designated times, including bathrooms, kitchen, living rooms, workshop, and Wi-Fi

  • Free admission to Estate events during your stay

We typically host 2–4 people at a time, creating a small, collaborative environment.

What We Ask

  • A friendly attitude & willingness to work and learn

  • Provide your own lodging (tent, van, or RV)

  • Have your own transportation

  • Contribute 10–15 hours of work per week (more if you’d like to be more involved)

  • Skilled trade experience is appreciated but not required

Where We Need Help

On the Farm

  • Planting (May–July)

  • Weeding & watering (June–September)

  • Harvesting (June–October)

  • Building projects, grounds maintenance, landscaping, painting, and general upkeep (April–November)

At the Lodge

  • Grounds maintenance and landscaping

  • Building permanent trash and recycling bins

  • Building a playground

  • Ongoing small projects, repairs, painting, and garden maintenance

There’s always something to tend to, and no two weeks look exactly the same.

Length of Stay

We’re happy to host folks for one week at a time or longer, with the possibility of extending through much of the summer if it’s a good fit on both sides.

All work-stays must conclude by October 31, 2026.

This opportunity is best suited for people looking to connect with the land, contribute to a shared space, and be part of something rooted and lasting.

 

Apply

Two pairs of hands holding grains. Photo credit Sarah Heppell Photography

Tell us a bit about yourself!
There are a lot of people dedicated to making these places run, so we want to be thoughtful about bringing the right folks into the mix.

What draws you to a work-stay at the Gauger Estate? Where are you from, and are you currently traveling? If so, where have you been and where are you headed next? Please include your general availability and how long you’re hoping to stay.

Tell us about any relevant experience you have (farm work, gardening, building, maintenance, events, hospitality, or similar), what you’re hoping to learn or gain, and how you like to live and work with others in shared spaces.

Let us know your lodging setup (tent, van, RV, etc.) and confirm that you’ll have your own transportation. If there’s anything else we should know — dietary needs, physical limitations, special skills, or questions — feel free to share.

And just for fun: what are you currently listening to? Music, podcast, audiobook or do you prefer silence?

Work-stays are hands-on, community-based, and require shared responsibility, flexibility, and respect for people, property, and the land.