Smaller scale projects also occupy much of our time at Villas Mastatal.  We are in the early stages of building a medicinal garden and are looking for a motivated volunteer to see this project through completion.  Also on our Villas wish list is the construction of a cob oven.  Building with cob is relatively simple and the ingredients required are typically easy to come by.  Designs are plentiful and its use would be substancial.

Another new project impacting our daily lives is our composting toilet.  With an increase in guests and visitors passing through Mastatal, managing the strain on our natural resources is a must.  One of the specific ways we can mitigate the damage of tourism in our village is to manage waste responsibly.  Composting toilets do not require water and use natural composting techniques that allow us to use reuse waste for our plants and crops. We hope to increase the number of composting toilets on our property; a project ready and waiting for the right motivated volunteer.

One of the most exciting new projects awaiting implementation is the constrution and development of a natural butterfly garden.  This region of the forest boasts an incredibly diverse population of butterflies and the opportunity to create a garden, or sanctuary, to honor these amazing insects is easilly within our reach.   Volunteers and guests with an eye toward creative design and a willingness to dedicate some time learning about these amazing species could find an amazing opportunity in this project-to-be.

In addition to projects both large and small, daily maintenance general management of the farm is a necesity.  Cooking, cleaning, maintaining crops, and looking after farm animals are just a few of the daily duties that keep guests busy during their stay. Developing and maintaining our vast trail system is always a welcomed project for those wishing to spend time outdoors.  In addition, working in the community, including in the local elementary school or middle school, is a wonderful option for those hoping to work with locals.