I was fortunate enough to recently complete the Food Forest Course at OAEC, which was my first time there, and it was worth every penny, giving me much more return on my investment. OAEC is an Eden; full of life and love, both bounty and beauty, balanced and achieving abundance. The course was jammed packed; "skipping stones across deep waters," to quote Master Timo. With such breadth and depth to the topic of Food Forest, OAEC offered a plethora of resources to use, and even some to take home, as we dove into many topics including but not limited to: Indigenous systems, site assessment, planning, and implementation; a study and then do process as we learned and then applied knowledge and techniques to a plot of land. The site that OAEC lives with and stewards is breathtaking; the natural beauty was greatly appreciated as I could walk in various directions and experience a new microclimate and ecology. I would be completely content getting lost there absorbing all the phytoncides to my benefit. The food was phenomenal; freshly harvested, diverse both in species and flavor, and provided nutriments to fuel my learning. The food alone (three delicious meals a day plus snacks and a variety of beverages) could easily be the cost of this course attendance ($1350) plus the lodging, and the curriculum, this is a steal! Again, well worth every penny. The lodging was topnotch; various kinds of structures, all offering a safe place during the journey. The facilities were clean and maintained. Glamping without the pricetag. The instruction was unmatched; each expert had their respective, and respectable, backgrounds and articulated the subject matter peacefully and eloquently to a diverse crowd and responded superbly to questions. Kendall, Timo, Redbird, Lyla June, Anniema, Danny, Jim, Nicolas, and all of the support staff and cohort were perfect; each provided input that transformed into the collective experience as we learned together. It was a healing experience. It was a learning experience. We need more OAECs out there. I highly recommend and will be back and remain connected! P.s. The Nursery is a must stop. I stocked up on some natives to spread. read more

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I went to OAEC for a staff retreat that my work booked. We were one of the only groups staying there not including the regular staff and residents there. We had a really good experiene there, with very great meeting spaces with good wifi, as well as different spaces for hiking. We had the meals made in their kitchen, which was prepared using eggs, fruits and vegetables that are produced there which were very fresh. They also had some homemade breads including gluten free options. One first day there, the staff gave us a tour of the grounds including the gardens where you can pick all the plants, fruits, veggies and herbs that aren't already listed "NOT TO PICK". Their housing was comfortable with the exception of bugs, but that's what happens when you're in the middle of nature. They also had a hot tub area which was very comfortable and well constructed. Also on the grounds as an arboretum to explore different plant life, a barn with chickens and goats, and pond which people can swin and paddle board on. Other wildlife including deers roam the grounds. I'd really recommend this place for a retreat space. Shoutout to the staff for maintaining it. read more

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This is one of my favorite places on earth. Whether you shop at the nursery, attend a public tour or garden volunteer day or take a course, you'll meet the most inspiring plants and people. I took the PDC here in March '24, and it was incredible. From the quality of the education, to the beauty of the land and facilities, to the splendor of the food--I was amazed at every turn. It is clear that everyone involved with the OAEC is deeply driven to create a more connected and loving world. read more

Occidental Arts & Ecology Center - A lunch at OAEC - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Occidental, California

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The OAEC nursery is the coolest destination in Occidental and one of the best nurseries in Sonoma County. The staff is so friendly and knowledgable and they make the plant shopping experience fun and approachable! read more

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My wife, and to a lesser extent I, enjoy gardening but living on the coast has made grow the things we love a bit challenging. I was bemoaning our lack of homegrown organic produce at work and a colleague spoke glowingly of the plant sale at OAEC but told me that they carried heirloom plant varieties that would thrive in the harsh coastal environment (I'm talking to you, tomatoes). We arrived just before opening on the first day of the plant sale and scored some great stuff, like African blue basil, stupider and Alaska tomatoes, sorrel and a habanero pepper plant, that we hope will provide us with tasty treats throughout the growing season. read more

Occidental Arts & Ecology Center - The big plant sale - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Occidental, California

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The diversity is just mind-blowing - only second the the incredibly sweet and knowledgable people who work there. Will definitely be coming back. read more

We have been buying our veggie starts here for several years and appreciate the high quality - almost every seedling thrives. Awesome selection of heirloom and other tomatoes. They also have some other unique edibles like Chilean guava, babaco, and strawberry trees that we are growing and they are delicious. ' Staff is super helpful and friendly and it is in a beautiful location. read more

THis place is incredible!! Wednesday volunteer days are an amazing chance to come visit and see the grounds, and get a super tasty vegan lunch. They also have their annual plant sale with super healthy plants of all kinds, including some really rare species and variety. The staff is very welcoming, and the architecture alone makes the visit worthwhile. Be sure to check out the pond as well! read more

Update: OAEC's spring plant sale is this weekend! This is a great time to get plants for your fall garden and check out the place in full havest swing. Sweet! Want to learn to grow food? Protect your local watershed? Paint landscapes? Carve a spoon? Buy excellent tomatoes plants? Head to Occidental. I first came to OAEC as a local journalist, to interview the director, Dave Henson, about genetically modified foods. I went back many times, to talk to the people who work there about gardening, biodiversity, watersheds and facilitated meetings. My husband and I took our permaculture design trainings there -- a two-week course that changed our lives. In all the time I've been there, I don't think I ever talked to anyone who was less than fully enthusiastic about what they were doing there, from interns doing dishes to the head gardener, Doug Gosling, picking salad for lunch. The place is infused with both peace and purpose. A great way to get a taste of OAEC is to go to one of their plant sales. They also hold lots of tours every year, as well as classes, performances, work days and trainings. I've learned so much at OAEC, both from the place and the people there. I highly recommend it. read more

Heaven on earth. If you have any interest whatsoever in seeing what is possible when dedicated, creative, and hardworking families decide it's time to make real the ideal -- go here! Learn, engage, and bring new knowledge and skills into your life. Check out their public events and support the work! A place where nature, art, and alternative sustainable energy come together! read more

Went there for a course, fell in love with the place, the people ,the food.