Work Exhange Program

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Limited work trade slots are available to cover full and partial tuition for all of the learning options available. Work trade opportunities happen primarily in the transitional seasons: April - May and October - December. 

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Work exchangers spend their days on our tiny agroforestry-based farm, helping tend our smallscale perennial plantings and maintaining the systems that support the humans and nonhumans that share the space. The farm is situated on 27 acres on the Kickapoo River, and is a beautiful place to spend some days working and exploring the woods and riverside haunts.

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Work exchangers are essentially short term employees of the farm, and can expect the experience to feel like a seasonal job. We try to provide a fun and clear experience for work exchangers through good communication and flexibility, but prospective exchangers should anticipate at least some degree of chaos due to the nature of highly weather dependent work on a small farm that doesn't have regular employees.  We are not professional managers of workers, and like most farmers, are juggling multiple off-farm jobs, land management, community projects, and our art practices, all of which will be underway during your time here.

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A strong work exchange candidate will demonstrate good communication skills, flexibility, and show up in their role as they would in any job - with prompt communications, timeliness, a proactive attitude, openness to learning, and the ability to be fairly independent.

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Some possible activities one could expect in a day of work trade are: prepping garden beds; invasive species removal; planting, harvesting, and sorting willow; planting and tending fruit and nut trees; making and maintaining trails; human infrastructure maintenance, and more.​

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Work trade slots are competitive, and I prioritize applicants who:

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1.  Are flexible during the seasons and timeframes outlined above

2.  Are familiar with working hard outdoors for long hours in a variety of weather situations, including very cold and wet

3.  Have prior farm or physical labor experience and references available for that work

4.  Demonstrate strong communication skills including promptness

5.  For whom funds are a barrier and who may not otherwise be able to access the learning opportunities offered

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I compensate work exchangers starting at $15/hour - a slightly above average wage in our area for temporary entry level farm work. At this rate, 2 hours of work exchange = 1 hour of lessons. Work exchangers with more specific and high level professional skills being exchanged, as well as returning workers who have demonstrated high levels of skills and compatibility on the farm, will be compensated more in the exchange rate.​

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Example Exchange​

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3-Day Course • Full Work Trade • Staying on Farm

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21 hours of study = 42 hours of work exchange

42 hours of labor working 6 hour days = 7 days work exchange

7 days working + 3 days lessons = 10 days on the farm 

10 nights winter lodging in the cabin = $350

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This work exchange program has been informed by my own experience as a work exchanger at various places and phases of life, which allowed me to have valuable experiences I may not otherwise have had. It is designed with great care and is intended to give more folks an opportunity to access this education, while ensuring the offering is still properly valued.

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Words from a past work-exchanger

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 "If you have an interest in learning bioregional willow basketry from a very skilled and silly weaver, I can't recommend Anni enough. I was blessed with the opportunity to do a work trade on Anni's farm in exchange for a private three-day basket weaving lesson.

While assisting with spring willow planting, stacking wood, and other farm chores, I also learned how to steward, harvest, sort, and cure both gathered and grown willow. The work trade allowed me to gain a deep appreciation for the attention to detail, hours of hard work, and tender loving care that beats at the heart of willow basketry - all before stepping into the studio to begin my weaving lesson.

Anni's teaching style is both nonchalant and impactful. Their lessons are infused with humor and curiosity, bite-sized nuggets of wisdom, and thorough instruction. Anni is well-seasoned in the art of pedagogy and possesses an intuitive gift for teaching a time-consuming and difficult craft to beginners. My three-day intensive class was designed in a way where I could plunge headfirst into the world of weaving with a talented instructor who was by my side through every step of the process.

Anni knew when to boost my confidence and when to push me out of my comfort zone as I stumbled through my first basket. As a recovering perfectionist, I needed this kind of support to navigate the messy, unpleasant, and hard aspects of learning a new skill. In lessons, Anni weaves together an introductory framework of technical skills, artistry, and intimate knowledge while also keeping the atmosphere lighthearted, fun, and forgiving.

From learning willow identification and wild coppicing in the field to practicing base weave and bordering techniques in the studio, Anni set me up in a way to feel confident continuing the craft on my own. I can't wait to come back for my next lesson!" 

-Ella, 2023 work exchanger

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