Hey, I'm Jon.

I just moved to the Hudson Valley to start a sustainable pasture-based livestock farm called Premier Pastures (www.premierpastures.com) We're set to launch in March 2020.

I'm passionate about community and sustainable ways of living. Over the past few years, I lived in Gambia, West Africa, during a stint with the Peace Corps in which I served as an Agroforestry volunteer in a small village. Since then, I spent a few years WWOOF'ing and interning at various organic farms in India, Australia, and Central America, learning about tropical permaculture.

Now that I'm back in the states, I'm interested in environmental justice issues, food sovereignty, water rights in the West, and land access for beginning farmers and ranchers.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I've always had the best experiences when traveling "unconventionally." Two years ago, my friend and I cycled through Nepal and stayed with families in small villages. We didn't pay for lodging and were treated to the most delicious local cuisine. I learned much more about the culture this way, as opposed to paying to stay in Hotels.

Interests

• culture
• yoga
• meditation
• woodworking
• backpacking
• food
• permaculture
• bicycles
• organic farming
• automotive

Music, Movies, and Books

I love the Wood Brothers, Elephant Revival, and Lake Street Dive. Favorite genres include bluegrass, folk, jazz, West African, and Indian music, to name a few.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Hiked the 46 High Peaks in the Adirondacks.

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Belize, Canada, Gambia, Guatemala, India, Jordan, Nepal, Senegal

Countries I’ve Lived In

Australia, Belize, Gambia, Nepal, United States