The Essence of Eden
An Intentional Community

BACK         NEXT

This vision statement will continue to develop during the process of finding land and building the community -- it is slightly more fluid than the Purpose and Principles [Mission].

Community Size: We imagine ultimately living in a community of about 100 - 150 adults, although that is ambitious and long-term and we accept that the number may be considerably smaller to begin with. The maximum number of adult residents will be up to 300. We expect to begin with a smaller initial group of residents on site, with an additional number coming over the course of a year[s], and expand from there. Currently planning for about a dozen residents.

Location: We intend to live and play at the present Heartwood Retreat at [Mentone] Alabama.

Mentone was created after it's springs were said to be healing. Many summer camps and retreats, State Parks & The Little River Preserve [Canyon] are located there [about 1 1/2 hours from Chattanooga [Tn], Birmingham [Al], & Atlanta [Ga].

We imagine the site will be one with existing buildings and out-buildings, [farm, old summer camp, retreat, etc.] We would like to be able to build any additional structures on the site of a sustainable and natural & reclaimed materials nature.

Intention:

We intend for the site to be a compact eco-friendly village development alongside working light & unique farm areas & wildlife/wilderness areas. [by expansion to surrounding properties as possible].

We intend to experiment with & use alternative energy & fuels.

We will have room for unique gardening, and planting berries, orchard, nut trees, etc... We will have water on-site, as in springs, wells, creeks and/or streams. Ponds may also be present and used, perhaps stocked with fish.

We further intend to create a learning & educational center teaching sustainable & intentional living, through hands on workshops, etc...

We also intend to create a healing/spiritual kind of retreat where others may come to heal, rest, and otherwise enjoy the quiet nature of the environment. There will also be efforts in teaching & providing for meditation, yoga, energy work, etc...

GROUP   SITEMAP   NETWORK