Envisioning Video

Pomegranates are loaded with anti-oxidants

Envisioning Ideas

Edwin: "I got started on this idea when I desired fresh, whole, ripe, organic fruits and vegetables and was disappointed with the price and lack of freshness of produce at organic markets. I also realized how much I enjoy being in nature and watching things grow. I started learning about the ecosystems and "guilds" of plant and animal life above and below the soil and decided I wanted to be intimately a part of the process of the production of food that I eat."

We would like to create a small (10-55 people) intentional community to:

This Cal-Earth Dome is an example of what we would like build at the Sanctuary. See more by clicking on above image.

• Build a model for sustainable living in an arid environment, harvesting all rainwater so that all water flowing over the land is utilized.
• Grow an abundance of whole, fresh, organic plant foods for the community and to be sold at  Farmers' Markets to cover capital costs and expenses of the Sanctuary as we grow. Unsold surpluses we cannot use will go to those in need
• Utilize native and wild plant food sources where practical (e.g., mesquite beans)
• Make exercise a part of daily life by wise combined use of power tools and equipment and human labor for building and managing the ecosystem.
• Build Earth-friendly housing for dwellings and community kitchen/gathering space, using natural building materials, passive solar design and high thermal mass to minimize heating and cooling requirements.
• Organize retreats and workshops to bring in visitors interested in ecology and sustainable living. This may include retreats and workshops, training others in sustainable living practices (e.g. permaculture), and retreats for the purpose of stress reduction, relaxation, and recuperation from the pressures of daily life for those living in urban and suburban environments. Since this is a popular bird watching region, we may also attract bird-watchers as guests
• Practice and encourage practice of various holistic health methods.
• Encourage personal development on all levels. The community is open to those of all belief systems, including non-belief.
• Research alcohol fuel production and install a still to create carbon-neutral travel.
• Although not of high priority, eventually the community may be making its own textiles from raw materials grown on the land and grow wood and bamboo for building, if the interest of participants is so inclined
• In the future, sponsor more communities using this first community as a model when this community has reached capacity and is financially able to do so.