Reviews

From Past Students, Residents, Interns, and Farm Managers

Read Our Students’ Experiences

We have had the privilege of hosting and hiring individuals from all over the world. Our aspiring farmers and homesteaders have come from a great diversity of backgrounds ––from musicians, painters, woodcarvers, chefs, and arborists, to scientists, nurses, inventors, engineers, military members, and business students. Please enjoy perusing their accounts of their transformational experiences while at Lodestar Gardens.

“…I have come to know myself even better. You both focus on what is truly important. Your energy and spirit is contagious.”

Alexis

“I learned so much and think that your love of learning and of new endeavors is inspiring. I recently learned that lodestar means ‘an example for others and you were definitely that for me. I really enjoyed the discussions we had on so many different topics.“

Stephen (aspiring arborist and farmer, OR)

“I can’t express the value of the lessons I have learned here… Thank you for giving me a picture of what sustainable off-grid life is like.”

Anthony

“My time here has shown me a different way of perceiving the natural world around me and how humanity fits into it, as well as what it means to try and be self-sufficient in our time.“

Connor (engineer, Scotland)

“I came to Lodestar Gardens hoping for a quiet adventure with nature and to gain knowledge of cultivating food. I leave with more confidence in myself, both spiritual and physical, than I could have ever hoped for. Each unique person I met during my stay taught me something special about humanity.“

Clarissa (musician, painter, community garden designer, UofTexas)

“Staying, playing, and working on your property has been a learning experience that I won’t soon forget. I swear I haven’t felt this healthy in years; it’s all thanks to your wonderful organic meals.”

Aria (nomad, aspiring gardener)

“If there was one word to sum up Lodestar, it would be ‘change’. Whether it’s the weather, company, work, animals or food, change is definitely what Lodestar means to me. Changing the way people think in an every-changing world.“

Tom (business student & adventurer, UK)

“There is friendship, and then there is a bond between people that exists unfettered by words or description, the ephemera of our relationships in this world. Ours is of the latter. We have learned much here, and enjoyed our work and learning to the fullest.“

David & Holly (aspiring farmers, VA)

“I met people and learned different things. And it’s surprising how my experience with new people turn out to be always good and happy.“

Rachel You Jin Lee (Korea)

“It was great learning gardening techniques which prove efficient with beautiful results! So I can’t wait to try ‘em out as soon as we get stationed.“

Mary Anne (artist, nomad, USA)

“Here I am reminded of beauty in the things I feel passionately about. I feel revitalized and encouraged to continue exploring and searching for “that/those things . . .” and enjoying it along the way.“

Pia (gardening student, international nomad)

“Thank you for simply being real. Being here has rekindled my curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and I will carry that with me on that journey.“

Peter (scientist and inventor, MA)

“The storms which I wished so hard for were a delight for me . . . and the soil too! Now we have a Yukon – Arizona connection.“

Bianca (woodcarver and Lodestar balsamic vinegar dressing creator, Canada)

“Working in communion and finding the solitude and peace to be with myself in this magical land, are things I very much appreciate. The energy in teaching others cooperation with the earth and life forms is graceful and adventurous!“

Lance (artist, theater actor)

“I’ve enjoyed getting dirty with y’all! Especially loved driving the tractor. I don’t think I’ve ever felt cooler than I did wielding heavy machinery. I will certainly put that skill on my resume for nursing jobs.“

Laura (nurse)

“The year I spent as farm manager at Lodestar Gardens Learning Center with Barbara and Clark Hockabout was easily one of the more enlightening and worthwhile challenges that I have undertaken. Prior to working as a farm manager, I arrived with general skills and knowledge of organic farming through a few previous WWOOFing experiences. Barbara and Clark graciously welcomed me as an extended part of the family, happily answered any questions and eagerly passed along their knowledge so that I could succeed in my position as farm manager. A little desire and interest to learn, plus a good work ethic, will take you a long way at Lodestar Gardens. You are given all the tools needed to do a first-rate job and Barbara and Clark are willing to give you autonomy in your work. During my time, I was able to assist in the Winter Farmers Market (January-April), help with summer workshops and I was in charge of our market table at the general store a few miles down the road every Saturday. All this on top of my regular work around the farm and time spent lending a hand with the website and social media. The growing conditions in the area present numerous challenges and wonderful learning opportunities. The high elevation, strong Spring winds, variable Winter weather and Summer monsoon rains create markedly different seasons and combine for a short outdoor growing season. Lodestar Gardens has a wonderful greenhouse, hoop house and high tunnel for indoor growing, all of which are unique in their own way. Barbara and Clark are extremely knowledgeable of what works and doesn’t work in their area, but also are open to new ideas and ways of approaching organic agriculture/permaculture. The presence of livestock (goats, chickens and ducks) presented further learning opportunities and responsibilities. Caring for the animals was definitely one of the highlights of my time.As an added bonus, I was able to learn some basics of making pottery and was allowed to spend time practicing in the studio. They have a library full of great resources, in addition to a lot of materials for people who are artistically inclined. I could go on and on about the positives of living and working at Lodestar Gardens. My time there was educational, fun, challenging and helped prepare me for future endeavors.“

Mark Nelson, LGLC Farm Manager (Nov. 2016-Nov. 2017), written before he left for the Peace Corps