1 Year Reclaiming Abandoned Land - Squatters Ruined this Acre!

I've been calling this Year Zero because while we have lived out here for a year, with no water for the first 5 months, poison oak everywhere and no fencing to keep the deer out, it was nearly impossible to garden. We also knew the property had been used intermittently by squatters for a long time. My focus was on keeping my family safe, and preparing the land for the years to come. In no particular order my check list was as follows:
- Find Shelter
- Remove Trash
- Fix Well
- Get rid of Poison Oak
- Install Septic System
- Fence Property Line
- Keep Sanity
We have nearly completed everything on the list! Multiple neighbors have stopped by to meet us and express their gratitude. They are all extremely happy to see us cleaning up this fire and environmental hazard. I have filed for permits with the county and submitted a plot map for the new house. Hopefully we can begin construction this year!
My Website and PO Box are below if you want to contact me. Thanks for watching!
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:58 Cleaning Up Trash
3:32 Clearing Brush and Trees
5:06 Septic Test Pits
8:28 Finding Space to Live
11:30 Diagnosing the Well Problems
15:26 oops!
17:54 Limbing Trees and Cutting Poison Oak
22:12 Tire Swing!
23:50 Pulling the Broken Pump
25:42 Cleaning the Well Reservoir
30:55 Moving the Shed
35:22 Septic Install
37:08 Grass and Wildflowers
39:08 Bees, Cat, and Goats
41:58 Trails and Steps
43:36 Home Life
44:24 Rain Water Fountain
47:04 Chicken Coop and Garden Terraces
51:22 Snow Flood
53:32 Prepping for Spring
56:52 Today!
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💬 I'd love to hear from you! Did you like this video? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
✅ Click here to subscribe to Travis Jantzer now!
/ @travisjantzer
📩 Contact me directly through my website at TJantzer.com or send me something in the mail!
Travis Jantzer
PO Box 1025
Phoenix, OR 97535
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Welcome to the official KZbin Channel of Travis Jantzer - Landscape Artisan and Homestead Developer! 🌱
Hey there! I'm Travis Jantzer, and if you're into landscaping ideas, DIY projects, and the challenges and rewards of homesteading, then you've come to the right place. My wife and I have been married for over 5 years, and we're blessed with three beautiful daughters. We're all about road trips, bouldering, and ultimate frisbee. Plus, we've weathered some life-changing events like rebuilding after a wildfire that destroyed the family business I run with my dad.
➡️ Professionally, I specialize in water features, and you'll get to see lots of that on this channel. Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone who just loves watching things come together, I'm confident you'll find something here to enjoy and inspire you.
But the journey doesn't stop there. My family and I are in the midst of our most ambitious project yet-a new homestead development. We're transforming a beautiful plot of land into our dream space, and I'm taking you along for every step of the ride. From massive challenges to big wins, you'll get an inside look at what it takes to pull off something of this scale.
So go ahead, like, subscribe, and don't forget to hit that notification bell so you never miss an update. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to share our journey with you. 🔔
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📲 Follow my Instagram and TikTok to keep up with my projects!
Instagram ▶️ / travis.jantzer
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💥 Also, check out my website for more updates!
tjantzer.com/
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#TravisJantzer

[@chrisbyrne8590]

As a carpenter I raised eight children doing similar projects over a 30 year period.You are doing great things.God bless you and your family.We all need family’s like this to build a better country👍

[@travisjantzer]

Thank you! My kids tell me all the time how much they love it out here. I’m building my wife a little sewing studio right now. We’re one of many many like minded families in our area raising young kids. God has blessed us for sure.

[@1coketogo554]

Your goats will love to eat the poison oak. If you use the milk after they eat the poison oak it will help you to be less likely to get poison oak and if you do it won't be as bad. The only thing you will need to watch out for is petting the animals after they have been in the poison oak because you can pick up the oils off their hair and get a rash from that.

[@CatherineH.-gf7mm]

We borrowed one small goat. She ate all the poison ivy and poison oak over apx. 6 weeks. Roots and all and cleaned up other overgrowth!!! :)

[@ArmouryTerrain]

That is really not cool- goats are social creatures and should be kept in groups, not alone.

[@markdecker2724]

Travis, wife, and your children, are all beautiful, and work hard together. It's a true pleasure to watch all the hard work to bring a plan together. Yes Please, to the more videos in the future showing your veggies, goats, and everything each of you work so hard to accomplish. Thanks, again.

[@travisjantzer]

Thank you so much! I will definitely be updating everyone about the garden and goats. :)

[@normacrawford1947]

Goats will take care of that poison oak!

[@timothydavidlandry]

I lost it when you told your daughter to go back in the house and she was like “What house”? 😂😂 My daughters would be the exact same way!

[@travisjantzer]

It’s one of my favorite clips. In her defense it definitely wasn’t a house at that point. 😂

[@connieraeoates]

What a joy to watch the girls having fun on the homestead. This recap has made me want to go back and see how you did it all in more detail. Please keep doing your videos, allowing us to follow along on your journey.

[@floridian3757]

YOU HAVE ACOMPLISHED SO MUCH in one year !!!! CONGRATULATIONS !!!!

[@renondagregson1363]

You have made your family a Beautiful home stead.❤

[@PuzzledCyrus]

Wonderful recap of the last year! I love the flowers popping up on the hillside. You guys have endless energy - love to see what comes next!

[@travisjantzer]

Thanks for watching! Yea the flowers keep multiplying, its awesome.

[@Unknown5925-]

I agree! They’re doing great ! New subscriber here ❤

[@purplejanew]

What a labour of love!!! I can't believe it only took you a year to do so much!!! Your family is a delight and I include the dog and kitty in that! Warm greetings from England x

[@travisjantzer]

The kitty was a great addition last year! hes only a year old but he follows my kids around like the dog does :) Thanks for watching!

[@purplejanew]

@@travisjantzer I try to watch them all! I was actually re-watching a few water feature ones recently!

[@sunnilee5058]

I am a 61 year old single woman and you are such an inspiration to me in many ways and I love following your beautiful families journey. May our Father in heaven continue to bless you and your beautiful little family. 💘🙏

[@travisjantzer]

Thanks for following along! Your Prayers and Support are greaty appreciated :)

[@kimharris2700]

Love baby goats.

[@maryhairy1]

This area is idyllic & you’ve made it a paradise home! Nothing comes easy but you’ve made it look simple. Super well done!

[@larar3421]

Congratulations to you and your family. This is a beautiful farm and property to raise a family. Looking forward to seeing your crops and trees bloom and fruit.

[@johnlaforte700]

What an amazing man you are and a beautiful family you have. You have all done a marvelous job. There is nothing more precious in this upside down world than Family. Blessings to you all. 🙏🦋

[@MM-vx4ml]

beautiful job, all of it. The stonewalls are amazing and in another year will look like they have been there forever, a part of the hillside. Here in central Washington it is high desert, so I am jealous of the ease with which your wildflowers took. I love the deck, that is a beautiful spot. Any video is a good video.

[@travisjantzer]

Thank you! I love making stone walls. I'm particularly proud of the stone work ive done out here. Honestly the wildflowers are outperforming my expectations.

[@robertlaird6746]

That mobile home didn't need to go. They are supper easy to fix up when they look like that.

[@wiredmonkey2000]

Keep up the great work, it's really showing how are you are working to make your home special. Thank you for sharing!

[@travisjantzer]

Thanks for being here!

[@snakey319]

the farm will grow, and so will your wee ones, and you both teaching them on the way.

[@Beachbum30]

Great job Everyone!It really does "take a village"So nice to see your progress!Its really awesome for children to see not only the teamwork,but the fact that transformation takes TIME.The fact can be applied to ANY transformation.Its one foot in front of the other,not fast ,junky and disposable.Your children are very fortunate to be brought up with parents and grandparents like you❤I appreciate you all!

[@leem200]

Love it when your little girl said what house? She is adorable. Its not the rain it is the wind, She is very smart too. Little one knew not to go near the fire, so asked for help. Great kids.

[@LuisVillanueva-gu9en]

Just finished watching your video. Dude you are definitely inspiring me to hurry up and sell my property. My wife and I have been doing some research into finding the right property but just watching your video makes me understand the right property is not out here you have to make it your own...

[@duotronic6451]

Use a narrow head trenching shovel. Sharpen the tip. Dig out the poison oak roots or they keep coming back. ❤❤❤

[@commonabond]

I had totally forgot about all that trash. You've done a great job. Looking forward to seeing what you do with the house.

[@travisjantzer]

honestly i had forgotten about the trash too. Maybe I blocked it out of my memory. haha when I was editing this video I had to go through all my old files and got reminded of just how bad it was when we started.

[@hillbillyfranks]

You did a beautiful job on that It looks like it was a hard job But overall it looks good I like it And you're still working on it I'll keep watching like I said you did a good job stay safe stay healthy my friend And we'll catch you on another one

[@annsfrench]

I did speed through certain parts of the video, especially parts that I had watched when they first came out. But the progress you have made is amazing! It seems like you have conquered the major hurdles. I would love to see your garden, the goats, the progress on the house. Keep us updated! ❤

[@travisjantzer]

Right on! I agree I think many of the major hurdles are in the past now :) I'll keep everyone updated.

[@pinknosechronicles]

You’ve made real progress. Such a beautiful family! The flowers are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your story 💕

[@bakerfx4968]

The last year was awesome! So excited to see the next year! Thanks for bringing us on this journey

[@travisjantzer]

Our pleasure!

[@rosemarygraham8943]

Your children will bloom in that environment. Watching them helpping and learning is important. Well done.

[@vicm6561]

Nice job ! Nothing like sweat equity . You make this older generation proud. Nothing is free except the air you breathe.

[@denisewilson8367]

I like to see homestead progression. Building, gardening, food preserving, projects ect. But not so much of goats. Everyone has them and complains about them getting out, eating their garden & fruit trees ect. Congratulations on getting some basics infrastructure and garden beds established. It's a ton of work.

[@diegocantona9627]

You could make a desert bloom!! Your labour of love makes good viewing 👍

[@sunnilee5058]

I love the way you make it personal by walking and talking and I learned so much about homesteading from you I love especially the way you raise your family in the way A Father should 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💘💘💘💘💘💘

[@universalangei9320]

OMG, that is gorgeous! It slays! You are a genius!

[@milkweeddreams8828]

All I can say is WOW, you're livin the dream, reminding me of all the work my hubs n I did when we were your age homesteading in Iowa...he is now deceased and I'm retired to Florida planting my food forest on a small city plot in Jacksonville. My empty lot two years on now is now planted in fruit trees and edible ground covers, I mow no grass, my yard is covered in 10 inches of free mulch, it used to flood, the huge banana trees give me the privacy from the mad, mad world and drink up the run-off...your video really took me back, I'm almost 75 now, but still do all the work myself...keep up the great work, you now have a new sub...CHEERS kids...!

[@denissesheartyhomestead]

gained a new follower. this is awesome. a little at a time chips away at all the projects. love watching the progress.

[@rachelvoogt3665]

I just found your channel and want to say what beautiful children and what wonderful parents you are! I admire all the hard work and careful planning, ingenuity also, detail and even a swing for the children! My goodness, God’s blessings to all of you for all your hard work and even your sweet wife making a beautiful dress for that sweet child. If I were your mom I’d be so proud of you and I’m not but still proud, lol! 😂❤

[@travisjantzer]

Awe thank you! My wife has made many beautiful dresses and quilts. Lately she's making Bowl Covers. We are Very blessed! excited for the opportunity to raise these kids on our own land :) They have like 7 swings out here in various places!

[@kathryngganderson8636]

Do not let the goats roam free. They will eat your fruit trees. Everything actually. Lovely video, cute kids, children i mean! Yes, keep them coming!

[@judye2805]

When my sister and I were young my father got a goat. It was ties to a cinder block and after a few weeks it would eat the grass and another couple of weeks it was pulling the cinder block around and more of the grass was under control. But then it started eating my mother's tulips and when it started eating her azaleas my father had to take it to my uncles farm! You're doing an amazing job but please pace yourself and enjoy this time as your family grows.

[@christhomason3936]

Mr. Travis, it was wonderful seeing the overview. Thanks Again for Sharing. 🤗 God Bless You and Your Family Always😇🙏 Chris and Rick From Chicago ♥️

[@Metalmaxm]

Keep away from stupid/bad people on yt. Just ban them from your yt. Enjoy your life. You are what you are. All the best and keep on rocking!

[@siras8355]

Loved your vedio about your one yr journey building a beUtiful homestead for your family. Just subscribed! So glad I came across your video in my feed. God bless you and your wonderful family

[@lynnecollett2437]

I totally understand the small house thing. Because when you guys do build bigger. Believe it or not, it's not going to be as much fun. So when you do build bigger, don't go huge. Keep it so that you can hear each other instead of yelling at the top of your Lungs upstairs for them to Come Down to eat. Have It All on one floor. I can't wait to see this. And what else you're going to do? This is so fantastic, especially for your kids..Enjoy

[@vistas5823]

What a great place this will be to grow up!

[@barbc8857]

Yes, it is a whole lot of work, but it is also a whole lot of memories your family will treasure forever!

[@solvillabaja2040]

You and your family remind me of my family life when I was growing up. We always had some kind of project going on. Dad was always out digging a ditch or building something or fixing something. Canning tomatoes was something we all participated in. Dad would bring them in from the garden in wheelbarrowsful! This really brought home the memories for me. Your girls are precious Great job and congrats-- it looks very homey now 😊

[@hdnmdws]

You have done an amazing job! This is a beautiful place to grow a family The goats will eat your poison oak and then drinking g the milk will grow an immunity to the poison oak

[@scott6252]

You remind me of one of my nephews about your age, my hat's off to you guys cleaning up that huge mess the previous people left and great use of all that rock, i imagine you all had some cases of poison oak there for a while.

[@rebeccahenson5328]

The wildflowers are a beautiful blue color. I used to work on a goat farm. Their milk is so good for so many thing and is so much better for us than cows milk. Their butter and cheese is so good. You get almost half cream from goat milk whereas you only get about on sixth cream on cows milk.

[@roberto.peterson9917]

you have made such great transformation of your property keep it up It's also refreshing to watch you teaching your girls may the Lord keep Blessing you and family 🙏❤️

[@rebeccahenson5328]

I love what you have done with all the trails and the water feature is so cool. Sue has been a lot of work but it is really nice. Soon you will have everything you need. That hill is perfect for one of those hobbit houses that sits mostly inside the hill. I hear that they are temperature controlled just by being in the hillside. Hey people do it all the time.

[@jonsinclair1727]

what a busy year! it’s looking awesome! keep up the good work man! enjoyed the video! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@travisjantzer]

Thanks a ton!

[@ArmouryTerrain]

It looks like you are living the best life you can with your family. Remember to wrap your fruit trees and grape vines in wire before you get your goats. When they escape, and trust me they will, the first thing they will eat is your fruit trees and vines. I just wish that I still had the health and energy to do a quarter of what you do.

[@mariamgregory8466]

I really enjoyed watching this beautiful family creating such lovely homestead country house. Lots of love from Norfolk / UK

[@erikl85]

You’re living the good life, man! Took me a long time to realize but this is ideal. Also working on my own acre down here in Mount Shasta, over the past few years. I know how overwhelming it can be dealing with all the junk and overgrown mess but you’re killing it. One thing at a time and before you know it you’ll have your little slice of paradise homestead. Luckily while there was a lot more junk at my place, there was no poison oak. You’re a brave man, I’m getting itchy just watching 😂

[@travisjantzer]

I had an ongoing poison oak rash that covered about 40 percent of my body for almost 6 months last year. Every time it healed up on one arm it would pop up on the other. I about lost my mind. But we've made it a long way! We're very happy with the land right now and i'm sure, as you've learned, it will be worth it in the long run.

[@erikl85]

@@travisjantzer That's brutal! I'm extremely sensitive to poison oak. Even had to spend the night in the emergency room once after it had gone toxic in my body. I was actually physically ill. You're a madman!

[@Kingdamien6660]

looking forward to more frequent videos.. and to year one.

[@travisjantzer]

thanks for being here!

[@katherinekinnaird4408]

Please get some boots something to protect your feet. Praying for your success. I'm impressed. God bless and keep you all. 🎉

[@TheExtra40414]

been following a little bit before your big move. I enjoy watching your videos. Please post more of your journey. For me, even a 5-6 minute video on small updates as you go would be awesome.

[@travisjantzer]

Ok good to know. I'm totally open to posting more videos (even shorter ones) but sometimes if a topic bores me I don't want to bore my audience. Maybe I should just post more anyway.

[@Susq15]

When our pump failed, my husband strapped the old water heater against the well shaft so he wouldn't kink the line and pulled the pump with the tractor. Well repairs are a total pain, as is no running water. I feel your pain!

[@Sandra-zb4dt]

One day, you and your teenagers and wife will watch this video and really enjoy reliving that journey . Blessings

[@ronaldkent1971]

It's been a great experience following your journey

[@travisjantzer]

Thanks for following along!

[@selimtekin4436]

A lot of work but fun and relaxing at the end when you see the result. Man can do their dream but problem is how much time and effort energy and frustration it takes. I am sure your energy giving a little paradise to that little hill and to your family. Keep building and thanks for sharing.

[@travisjantzer]

Yea I figure the more effort I put in, the more fulfilling this place will be. Thanks for watching!

[@tr3vorb438]

Great update, lovely family.

[@travisjantzer]

Thanks so much!

[@candiskillebrew1854]

You my friend are a very hard worker, and you have a very beautiful family

[@DuchessOfQuilt]

Just found your video in my feed and what you have accomplished in a year is wonderful. I know it will be interesting to see what you do in the future. I love that you involve your children and are teaching them about gardening from an early age.

[@gnhatch]

no way im so excited to watch this

[@travisjantzer]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jasoncreech4486]

The overview was a great video. Keep up the great work.

[@travisjantzer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annajohnson739]

I don’t care what anybody says, thank God for men.

[@avacadman2155]

I understand it is very hard work when taking on such a large project but, you are young enough to do this to your own wants, needs and desires, a place that fits you both. Raising your family within wonder. 👍👍👍👍👍💗

[@robertbirch4163]

Loved watching the progress of your homestead. I have only one word to describe this video... AWESOME !!!

[@stellaunger8568]

A fun video, thanks. I’ll keep waiting.❤️🌹

[@genehilmu8189]

So awesome,. It is hard work but ultimately rewarding!

[@denniswray470]

You have completed a tremendous amount of work over the last year well done you have a great work ethic as a team.

[@joanlittle4235]

My mom and dad did this 1n the year 1934. I hop the very bear for you and your family. I will go along with you. Granny 93 Oregon USA.

[@kathrynguzman9823]

Be thankful for the wisdom of your parents ❤. Wonderful experiences together.

[@marywalker2896]

Well family love your video so I subscribed!! Hope to see more in the future..you’re making a beautiful homestead for the family..

[@jamieennen964]

Love this! You and your family is living my family's dream.

[@sanchopanzaandsonnycrockett]

She is beautiful little girl, an an also a great helper!!! ❤️🥓💐👌

[@daniellewhiteside1199]

What an AMAZING PROGRESS. YOU ARE YOUNG WITH LOTS OF HOPE. LOVE IT.

[@333grace]

Very refreshing to see your care and patience all the way through, working through the 'On no!' moments and finding solutions. Thank you. Your family is beautiful. Thankful you are not in the city. May the LORD Jesus Christ watch over you all and be the extra hands and wisdom as unexpected 'events' arise.

[@spongebobsqueeze]

New subscriber here. You guys have done an amazing amount of work on this property. I am so impressed. You are lucky to have your parents so close. Your children are beautiful. With so much family focus on making this property into a beautiful sustainable family home you have so much success to look forward to. I look forward to watching you do it.

[@sheilahughes1014]

so much hard work.....ur dedication and vision is turning out wonderful. nothing better than smelling and harvesting ur own fruit and vegetables.

[@jenniferlashley2081]

I just happened upon your channel today. What an amazing transformation in just one year. Looking forward to seeing where the next year takes you!

[@stephenwetherbee8438]

AMAZING!!! SO MUCH ENERGY AND LOVE! PRAYING FOR YOU.

[@Designarts-SA]

You guys are doing a awesome job. Love the way the kids are helping. All the best of luck with your future adventures.

[@digger8090]

Great work ethic lovely family,keep up the good life🇬🇧👍✅🍺🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@sarahmckenzie7989]

Really amazing work you have done--impressed with the walls and steps built from rocks. You seem to be a patient person who enjoys his family and projects. Looking forward to following your progress!

[@dustyjoe8071]

your living the dream best wishes from Scotland

[@allonesame6467]

Fertility rolls down hill. There is some nice soil there! Blessings

[@susancastle1309]

To rid your area of poison oak/ivy 3 pounds of salt into one gallon of water and a 1/4 cup of Dawn dish soap You can use a sprayer and spray the leaves It's very difficult to eradicate (Apple Cider Vinegar) too Awesome job 👍❤

[@abigailhumes6646]

May the LORD bless you all as you carve out your lovely home in this beautuful place. How sweet to see the dedication of not only yourselves, but also your relatives. Your children have the kind of wealth that matters. ❤❤❤️ I have subscribed

[@nachis3]

Oh my word what an awesome video. Looks like lots of work but so rewarding it’s looking amazing. My favorite thing is the blue wildflowers and the creek and your kids helping out.

[@lucillekenney8311]

You did a wonderful job with the landscape. I can see your vision. I'd love to see it come to fruition. This is going to be a beautiful process for you and your family.

[@molly1117]

What a beautiful place! I love the way you’ve made it a place that welcomes one to roam and explore and play. The stone stairs are awesome! And I have to say, you have crazy mad video skills - your cinematography and storytelling are really wonderful. The lovely little girl chatter while the camera veers off to examine flowers, the fire crackling in the night, the composition and color are rich and compelling. I watched the whole video and enjoyed every minute.

[@thumbalinamom]

This is the only one of your videos that I’ve seen and I’m going to subscribe! You have a vision for your family and you’re willing to work hard for their benefit and their future. I have to say you have a wonderful wife and partner who definitely stands wholeheartedly, with you on this journey. I’m sure both of you now and again have a bad day, but I never seen her once be moody or disparaging or wishing y’all had never done this. Her beautiful smile and gentle spirit are a blessing to you and your adorable children. It seems as though you have found the key is just to take each day as it comes and remain flexible. Your girls are going to look back on this one day with beautiful😊 memories. When I was young, my father did something similar by buying an old farm and renovating a 100 year-old house for us. At 66 I look back on that time with the fondest memories and wish life was so much simpler as in those days. Every day was a new adventure and an opportunity to learn so much. God bless you all.

[@mikewood8680]

Never a problem sticking around to share in a vision and being inspired by amazing work ethic and determination.

[@peggyspeer731]

I enjoy you talking . . Keep doing it. . Pretty kids

[@benrobinson3683]

Doing a good job. Looking forward to more videos. The kids are wonderful it's so nice to see them helping. God Bless 😂🎉

[@Mmac-qt8jn]

Nice job man living my dream not sure I will ever achieve it but there is always hope