This page was last updated on 7 November 2008.

What's Been Done...

• We've established a 'core group' of seven men and women who are meeting regularly to work on a land evaluation process, funding strategies, and develop the relationship between Yonah Earthskills Preseve and the surrounding community.
• Since April, we've been assessing the environmental integrity and carrying capacities of potential land bases in Madison County, just north of Asheville, NC. After viewing approximately 15 properties, 2 have fit our criteria and additional detailed evaluations and biological surveys will be performed in the coming months. We will also be visiting several more properties in the next few weeks for preliminary evaluations.
• We're in discussion to expand the educational scope of the Preserve through collaboration with several highly experienced and talented individuals who have much to contribute to our efforts. These interests include assisting in the establishment of neighboring community supported agriculture and a comprehensive learning institute focusing on sustainabile living and land-use practices in the areas of food production, primitive living skills, herbal medicine, and envionmentally-responsible building technologies.
• We are ready to accept tax-exempt donations at any level! Please click HERE to see the various levels of giving and their associated benefits.

What We're Working On...

• Additional land will be visited and evaluated.
• Funding requests are being drafted and will be submitted to various foundations and corporations to assist in this initiative. These requests will seek support for our educational programs and environmental preservation.
• Positioning ourselves to make an offer on a parcel of land and are accepting promisory notes from committed individuals. These will be used to help secure funding from other external sources (i.e. foundations and corporate giving programs). Please contact us for more information!
• Conducting biological/geological/hydrological surveys of both our properties of interest. If you're interested in volunteering to assist with this process, please contact us!
• Attracting individuals who will assist in developing a vibrant, fulfilling life in a Nature Based Economy where people's needs are provided directly from the land itself.

Our Next Steps...

• To secure our community land base.
• To enlist the aid of skilled pioneer woodworkers, blacksmiths, alternative healthcare practicioners, flintknappers and toolmakers, spinners and weavers, potters, naturalists and back-country guides, agriculturalists, interns and apprentices.
• To finalize the community structure including a land-use plan, articles of 'Ecological Covenants' in regards to building, and decision-making process.

What We're Planning for the Future...

• We've got lots of plans! Including...
• Summer camps and environmental education programs
• A living stone-age village
• Pioneer woodworking and blacksmith shop
• Timber framed lodge with a kitchen, dining hall, and meeting space
• Greenhouse for garden and indigenous tree, shrub, and wildflower propagation
• Herbal products workshop
• Micro hydroelectricity plant