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Farm Fresh News - June 2022
Dear Friends,
This issue continues to look at the criteria for an ecovillage and highlights our special relationship with the land. It is the land that holds us together, and is central to our spiritual unity and connection.
The Farm was founded on the principle that we are stewards of this land, and it is our responsibility to care for it in a way that considers all its creatures, plants, waters and forests, and what we pass on to the next generation. All of the land owned by the community is protected under a Trust that mandates the land can never be subdivided or sold. The Trust is set up under the name of The church of The Farm Spiritual Community, and in essence says that our church is not a building, but the land itself.
 To me it is our cathedral.
Namaste,
Douglas |
You can watch this wonderful documentary, A Cloud Never Dies, the story of Thich Nhat Hanh, for free on YouTube. Narrated by Peter Coyote.
A cloud is an interesting metaphor for us a spiritual beings, simultaneously visible and ethereal. It is but one incarnation of water, which can appear in so many different forms, transitioning from flowing water to solid ice to steam and vapor, becoming invisible.
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The Farm Community as an Ecovillage
 An excerpt from The Farm Here and Now Living Green and Ecovillages |
An ecovillage harmlessly integrates human activities into the Natural World
The "eco" in ecovillage is an obvious reference to the environment and a desire and intent to live in harmony with nature, preserving and protecting the environment, which extends to the earth itself. The bumper sticker, "Think Globally, Act Locally," sums up how living in community takes our commitment to a next level, working together to support this common ideal.
Our Land Use Committee's tasks include actions such as reviewing how a proposed house site will affect the surrounding ecosystem, how and when trees are cut from our shared spaces, management of the forests, fields and open spaces, and more.
The community owns over 1700 acres, with approximately 1000 acres set aside with no development at all. Our residents and commercial areas are spread out over about 300 acres, with neighborhoods separated by deep forested valleys. Most of us live in or along the edge of the woods and share space with the deer, the migrating songbirds, and a myriad of other types of wildlife, wildflowers and plants.
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View of the Cox Branch Watershed, approximately 1000 acres of undeveloped land that is part of The Farm Community.
This map shows The Farm, Big Swan Headwaters Preserve, plus the Highland Woods, an additional 650 acres owned by Farm members and friends, with 100 acres there also protected by Swan Trust. It also illustrates how thousands of acres near us have been clearcut over the last 20 years.
Taking all this one step further, some members of our community founded Swan Conservation Trust in 1994 with the goal of protecting the forest surrounding the community, which has been owned by multination timber companies. The land for Big Swan Headwaters Preserve was purchased in 2004 and the note paid off in 2014, raising over 1 million dollars over 10 years. It adds an additional 1400 acres of protected watershed and ecosystems, while also working with the State and local governments to create protected Natural Areas such as Still House Hollow Falls, as well as with local landowners to establish conservation easements, and educational efforts to promote environmental awareness.
Swan Trust leads guided hikes to local places of significance, such as the Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area.
Located just outside of Summertown, Swan Trust worked with the State of Tennessee, County government,
and other local environmental organizations to save this beautiful place for the enjoyment of all!
2. Can be successfully continued into the indefinite future
The Founding Generation arrived on the land in 1971, pulling school buses fresh from San Francisco down old logging roads deep into the lush green forests of Middle Tennessee. Over the next 10 to 20 years, hundreds of babies were born, forming the core of what we now call, "The Next Generation." Just after the turn of the century, The Farm turned a corner, as children born on The Farm became responsible adults, establishing their own homes, raising families, and over the ensuing years, taking over vital functions in running the community. They have also attracted others of a similar age seeking an alternative lifestyle.
Mom checks out her daughter's booth at The Farm Market Day, held the third Saturday of the month April through October.
Click here to visit the Market Day Facebook page!
More Next Genners display their creations at The Farm Market Day.
The new faces of The Farm Midwives, as the founding crew transitions to retirement.
Tiger (center) is one of our newest members. His parents were on a road trip and stopped to check out an art installation on The Farm that they saw on the internet. They never left and are now full members with their own home.
Thank you for your time and attention!
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A big thanks to everyone who has become a patron of Farm Fresh!
When you become a subscriber, your contribution helps spread the word about community-based alternatives and the spiritual path.
Take this one small step to be part of the solution!
When you become a subscriber, your contribution helps spread the word about community-based alternatives and the spiritual path.
Take this one small step to be part of the solution!
You can help keep Farm Fresh going by pledging $2, $5, or $10 a month, or by making a one-time contribution.
Peace,
Douglas
Watch my TEDx Talk: Out to Change the World - Living the Hippie Dream
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Speaking Engagements
At the same time, I recognize that I can reach a lot more people if I go outside the community. One of my goals is to speak at colleges and universities where I can talk to young people about Right Livelihood, Service, and Finding Sanity in an Insane World. This is a time when people need to hear an uplifting message of hope.
If you are part of an organization, event, or school (or you just want to learn more about my life's work), I invite you to visit my website www.douglasstevenson.com, where you'll find information on my lecture topics and how to bring me to speak in your area.
Thank you for your interest, and your support. I hope to see you down the road.
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My wife Deborah has retired from practicing midwifery on The Farm but continues to teach midwifery workshops and classes at the Farm's College of Traditional Midwifery. If you, a friend, or family member are considering a midwifery-assisted birth, I encourage you to visit The Farm Midwifery Center's website and make an appointment with one of the midwives currently taking on clients.
Corina Fitch, RN CPM
Born on The Farm, Corina has been a practicing midwife in the Miami area for 20 years.
She has recently returned to The Farm with her family.
Deborah's birth resource web sites for families seeking guidance on subjects such as
- Choosing a Care Provider.
- Health and Diet
- Challenges and Complications
- and much more!
- The Awakening Birth podcast is available on iTunes or at www.awakeningbirth.net
Village Media Services
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
Douglas@thefarmcommunity.com
