Seeding An Ecovillage In Southern California & South Carolina!

Hello Everyone,
Over the last few years I've been developing a beyond sustainable project on a large residential property in Riverside, which I'm now getting ready to move forward with expanding into the Temecula/Hemet area. Looking at a minimum of 20 acres and hopefully much larger.

Along with this, I've access to 25 acres in South Carolina as part of the project. Beautiful property with a stream, well and cooperation of some of the local government.

My goal is a long-term, beyond sustainable ecovillages with a focus on helping the homeless get back on their feet.

I'm currently looking for others that are interested in moving onto the current property and the property I'll be acquiring.

In exchange for helping with the project and greatly reducer cost of living you'd receive access to both properties and all the resources and knowledge that will be made available. This ranges from an ever expanding food forest, private gardening spaces, sustainable living space and much more!

Over the last 3 years of this 5 year install, I've planted over 1K edible & medicinal plants and trees to create a food forest in what was 99.5% sand and aggregate. With a water bill for the entire property of only $40 per month, but produces thousands of pounds of food a year.

Biogas, Earth Bag, alternative energy, Permaculture design and much more is already happening here.

Tours are currently available for the Beta Test property in Riverside, California to start seeing what can be done in a short period of time by myself and the occasional volunteer.

This is not just someone's dream. This is a Ecovillage already in the works and it is getting ready to take the next step.

If you're interested in living and working on changing the future for yourself and those in need, feel free to drop me a message with your contact information to discuss how you're like to be involved.

Attached is a photo of what the current property looked like and 2 years later. Now working towards the 4th year, so it's grown A LOT since those photos were taken.

Carpe Diem,
Scott

I'm interested in your project. I live here in Riverside.  I  hope you haven't left yet. Also, good luck on your new endeavor.

That’s amazing!! I’ll be down there in 3 weeks and would like to check it out? Definitely interested. Will you be around? Thanks

Sorry for the late response. Missed the notification for your message.

Yes, I'm still in Riverside and will be keeping this property for a lot longer, but still working on finding the right property in Temecula. That's going to take a while to put together, but it's still on the table.

However, since writing the original post a lot of positive things have happened! I've other properties in California City, residential sized, that the city is now looking at letting me build out shipping container homes on for specific area. Already had several great conversations about it and now they're working with their planning and zoning to see what can be done to move it forward!

Also purchased a couple of much needed pieces of equipment, including a new tractor with backhoe, a big dump trailer and a few smaller helpful toys, allowing me to work on the next phases at the Riverside property.

If you'd like to drop by and see what is going on just let me know.

The South Carolina property is looking much better now that I've the equipment to fix the road and start cutting some of the earth works for water management. Looking to go out late this winter or early next spring. When I was out there last time, I worked on some serious cleanup and waterways management, including damming part of the bog to create a swim & fish area.

I'm also excited to have the new equipment because I'm able to start working on the 2 - 2.5 acres properties I've up just west of Barstow. I'll be working on those a little this winter to create some camping spots and hopefully do some Earthbag camping shelters, asking with cutting the new road and cleaning up the old one.

Let me know what you're interests are and how you'd like to be involved and at which properties.

Hello Jeremy,
Depending on which property your referring to, as I'm currently still working on the one in Riverside and other California properties locations throughout this summer and autumn.

Late Winter or early Spring is when I'm looking to go out to South Carolina and continue the progress.

If you look at my reply to the other's earlier post, you'll read up on some of the awesome things that have happened since my original post. It's going to help the ecovillage projects massively!

I look forward to reading your reply.

That’s a lot of forward progress in 4 months! I’m going to the LA area in a few weeks on a scouting trip then my partner and I are returning in a few months in January for a longer stay.
That equipment will speed up earthworks for sure. A dumping trailer and tractor are wonderful assets.. If you get more pictures I’d like to see them. I’m very interested in dry land permaculture. If you have a camping area perhaps I can rent it for a week during my visit? I have a RV that we like to use part of the year.  I’m definitely looking for contacts in the area before we move there. And learn more about the land, plantings, and earthworks you are creating. Thanks

Hello Jeremy,
Yes, we've made a lot of major moves to get things really rolling. Very exciting times!

I'm uploading some photos of the current Riverside install. Nearly 4 years into a 5 year install and running 6-8 months behind. Slight difference between the before and current.

I've a few properties you can do overnight and weekend stays and possibly the Riverside location for longer. This is based on the size of the RV. I usually trade camping space for labor. Part of my education program. Let me know if that works for you.

I might have a property you'd be interested in as well.

Thanks for the pictures. Big difference!!. I’m glad I didn’t reserve my Hipcamp today as this might be better. I’ll know soon. We have a place in Santa Barbara but it’s rented out and has no, or little, yard. So I’m scouting to see what it’s like in that region. Ive lived in OR and WA and have wanted to live in CA. Maybe the time has come? I have oodles of temperate and tropical permaculture experience but little dry land experience so I’m fascinated by what your doing.
The Motorhome is 28 feet but with the car dolly it’s 38 feet. I can easily detach the car dolly if required. I hope to know tomorrow what dates I need to be there. Thanks.

Hello Jeremy,
Let me know the dates and we can go from there. Should be able to make space for you here.

Coastal properties are insanely expensive and also the general cost of living is much higher. You don't have to go too far inland to see a major price drop and if you're willing to go a little off the beaten path you can find some place that can be turned into paradise. There's also ways to get properties for cheap. Especially those not usually seen as worth much.

I've purchased several for progressive development for potential long-term income. The cost of building traditionally is expensive right now, but there's a lot of alternative methods that can be worked out with the various cities and counties, if you're willing to put in the effort.

South Carolina is going to be one of the big changes properties, once it's really started.

Thanks, I’ll PM you as soon as we know exact dates.
We are just beginning our search for land and don’t know how long it will take. Price of land and cost of living is always a factor but not the only factor. A lot of questions arise. Water is a big one. And building permits another. Location, location, location….my partner has a list of criteria and I need to see how compatible with the land and community:
1. Within 30-60 minutes of a international airport
2. Moderate climate
3. Safe and peaceful neighborhood
4. Western states
5. Near friends
6. Modern comfortable construction (or build it ourselves, or have it built)
7. Electric car and probably solar to charge it
8. Water, either city or well as long as it’s reliable
9. Ideally a few acres or more (rural or semi-rural)
These are not set in stone but we dont want to rough it too much in our retirement. We realize it may cost more for the convenience and comfort. I’m looking at Quonset huts as structures that go up fast. Then I can do experimental natural building under the protective shell of the hut (I wonder if anyone has managed to insulate a Quonset hut with straw bales?). It’s all hypothetical at this point in time. My list includes the things you are doing: food, biodiversity, beauty, water conservation, earthsscaping, etc.

Hi! I'd be super interested in doing a part time work /trade at your property in Riverside. I have a self contained converted Sprinter camper. My hope is to work and learn hands on permaculture to eventually start my own back East. I work remotely full time so I'm curious about your cell service in the area. But other than that, open to meeting with you all and seeing if it's a good fit.  

Hi, I'm in Riverside and am still interested in coming to check out your property here in town. Please let me know if that is at all convenient for your you. I would like someone local to share ideas with and learn from.

Hello Dani,
The Riverside property is in a residential area. Great cell & internet services. We work with a lot of WWOOF volunteers and have some RV parking.

Message me directly and we can discuss details of you visiting.

Respectfully,
Scott

Dani Jacquelyne wrote:Hi! I'd be super interested in doing a part time work /trade at your property in Riverside. I have a self contained converted Sprinter camper. My hope is to work and learn hands on permaculture to eventually start my own back East. I work remotely full time so I'm curious about your cell service in the area. But other than that, open to meeting with you all and seeing if it's a good fit.  

Hello Valmour,
Drop me a message and we can discuss your visiting.

Respectfully,
Scott

valmour sellers wrote:Hi, I'm in Riverside and am still interested in coming to check out your property here in town. Please let me know if that is at all convenient for your you. I would like someone local to share ideas with and learn from.

UPDATE ON SOUTH CAROLINA PROJECT:
Just found out that the owner of the South Carolina property didn't currently have a clear title to the land. It's in a minor legal quagmire, so more than likely we'll be passing on any further involvement with it.

However, we do have 2 - 2.5 acres properties about 15 minutes west of Barstow that will be working to develop into ecovillages. This will happen as we continue to look for a much larger property elsewhere.

The Riverside location is still accepting volunteers that would like to learn about Permaculture, homesteading, and sustainable practices.

I am right here in southern California so it is in the area, and that sustainable living growing things, for food and materials, with others, as a community, is very much of interest to me. If it works that I can be involved in this I want to bring lots of seeds for things I really think of growing, and would seek to use natural farming, to work at it. I will really try growing all that I would want for eating and maybe more to share, as that would be what I plan to come to have for the food I have.

Fred Frank V Bur wrote:I am right here in southern California so it is in the area, and that sustainable living growing things, for food and materials, with others, as a community, is very much of interest to me. If it works that I can be involved in this I want to bring lots of seeds for things I really think of growing, and would seek to use natural farming, to work at it. I will really try growing all that I would want for eating and maybe more to share, as that would be what I plan to come to have for the food I have.

Hello Fred,
If you're in the Riverside area, feel free to drop in for a tour of the beta property and to discuss what's going on with the others. You can message me on Instagram at @FarmerBrownGrows or on here.

We use completely Sustainable methods. In fact, I teach a wide variety of them at the Riverside property and will be seeing up an educational facet to the Ecovillage project.

Respectfully,
Scott

S. Brown wrote:Hello Fred,
If you're in the Riverside area, feel free to drop in for a tour of the beta property and to discuss what's going on with the others. You can message me on Instagram at @FarmerBrownGrows or on here.

We use completely Sustainable methods. In fact, I teach a wide variety of them at the Riverside property and will be seeing up an educational facet to the Ecovillage project.

Respectfully,
Scott

Thanks. I am in a neighboring county, I will figure out some time to come there for a tour and for discussing the sustainable methods, those are important. And such ways should certainly be available for many as such change is needed. I will communicate by email to, I am at vegrox@aol.com

Hello Scott,
I am interested in your project and would like to meet you in real. Now I live in Los Angeles and ready to come to your place in Riverside. My contacts: alextsykhan@gmail.com

Hi S. Brown, my partner and I live in Lake Elsinore and are very interested in what you're working on. It looks great.

We're putting down roots currently in the Lake Elsinore/Wildomar/Murrieta areas, but would love to visit your Riverside property whenever possible.
And we would likely be very happy to help with any properties you ever work with in those areas (or Hemet/Temecula).
I have one PDC under my belt from Quail Springs an ecovillage of sorts in the CA high desert.
And am about to start their "land-based living" online course (their website link if anyone's interested: https://www.quailsprings.org/)

My email is christian.wolird@gmail.com

Hello Fred,
I'll email you when I get back from Joshua Tree, where I'll be consulting on another project.

Respectfully,
Scott

Fred Frank V Bur wrote:

S. Brown wrote:Hello Fred,
If you're in the Riverside area, feel free to drop in for a tour of the beta property and to discuss what's going on with the others. You can message me on Instagram at @FarmerBrownGrows or on here.

We use completely Sustainable methods. In fact, I teach a wide variety of them at the Riverside property and will be seeing up an educational facet to the Ecovillage project.

Respectfully,
Scott

Thanks. I am in a neighboring county, I will figure out some time to come there for a tour and for discussing the sustainable methods, those are important. And such ways should certainly be available for many as such change is needed. I will communicate by email to, I am at vegrox@aol.com

Hello Alex,
I see you found me on Instagram at @FarmerBrownGrows, but I'll email you so we can exchange info.

Respectfully,
Scott

Oleksandr Tsykhanivskyi wrote:Hello Scott,
I am interested in your project and would like to meet you in real. Now I live in Los Angeles and ready to come to your place in Riverside. My contacts: alextsykhan@gmail.com

Hello Christian,
Once I get back from consulting on this project in Joshua Tree, I'll drop you an email to discuss you and your partner visiting.

Respectfully,
Scott

Christian Wolird wrote:Hi S. Brown, my partner and I live in Lake Elsinore and are very interested in what you're working on. It looks great.

We're putting down roots currently in the Lake Elsinore/Wildomar/Murrieta areas, but would love to visit your Riverside property whenever possible.
And we would likely be very happy to help with any properties you ever work with in those areas (or Hemet/Temecula).
I have one PDC under my belt from Quail Springs an ecovillage of sorts in the CA high desert.
And am about to start their "land-based living" online course (their website link if anyone's interested: https://www.quailsprings.org/)

My email is christian.wolird@gmail.com

S. Brown wrote:Hello Fred,
I'll email you when I get back from Joshua Tree, where I'll be consulting on another project.

Respectfully,
Scott

I found your email to me, thanks for sending it. You should be able to find my responding email to you.

Respectfully, Fred

Things have changed with regards to the Ecovillages in both California and South Carolina. South Carolina isn't happening because the family of the person that was going to sell us the land decided to suddenly get involved when they thought they could make a massive pile of money. California gave me so much grief in trying to make it happen that I'm relocating everything to Texas. California claims to be all about environmental, but it is only true when they can make a ton of money on it or just claiming it.

Watch for a post on Houston, Texas! We're working to close on a very large piece of land with a lot of potential. More resources onsite, including water & timber! My goal is to open up a selection of individual acreages up for non-permanent housing (RV, travel trailers, Yurts, etc) to be brought in but those that would like to be a part of the project. Each person would have X amount of land to use for themselves, while donating part of their time to help build out the main project and teaching center.

If anyone is interested, I've 2 - 2.5 acres properties west of Barstow for sale. Beautiful desert areas. Close to a dry lake and a man made lagoon. Very affordable!  I'll carry the payments as well. Owner financed. One is on a paved road and one is off a county maintained dirt road.

[quote=S. Brown]Hello Everyone,
Over the last few years I've been developing a beyond sustainable project on a large residential property in Riverside, which I'm now getting ready to move forward with expanding into the Temecula/Hemet area. Looking at a minimum of 20 acres and hopefully much larger.

Along with this, I've access to 25 acres in South Carolina as part of the project. Beautiful property with a stream, well and cooperation of some of the local government.

My goal is a long-term, beyond sustainable ecovillages with a focus on helping the homeless get back on their feet.

I'm currently looking for others that are interested in moving onto the current property and the property I'll be acquiring.

In exchange for helping with the project and greatly reducer cost of living you'd receive access to both properties and all the resources and knowledge that will be made available. This ranges from an ever expanding food forest, private gardening spaces, sustainable living space and much more!

Over the last 3 years of this 5 year install, I've planted over 1K edible & medicinal plants and trees to create a food forest in what was 99.5% sand and aggregate. With a water bill for the entire property of only $40 per month, but produces thousands of pounds of food a year.

Biogas, Earth Bag, alternative energy, Permaculture design and much more is already happening here.

Tours are currently available for the Beta Test property in Riverside, California to start seeing what can be done in a short period of time by myself and the occasional volunteer.

This is not just someone's dream. This is a Ecovillage already in the works and it is getting ready to take the next step.

If you're interested in living and working on changing the future for yourself and those in need, feel free to drop me a message with your contact information to discuss how you're like to be involved.

Attached is a photo of what the current property looked like and 2 years later. Now working towards the 4th year, so it's grown A LOT since those photos were taken.

Carpe Diem,
Scott[/quote]

Hi Scott,

I’ve enjoyed reading this thread! Have you finalized the purchase of the Texas property?
I’d enjoy visiting your Riverside property if you’re still in the area.
Best of luck on your ecovillage projects.

[hey Scott, I'd be curious to chat a bit more about your vision in Texas, I was recently thinking about buying a little off grid plot of land in new Mexico to start the process of creating a little community and education center for residencies focusing on Thai bodywork, movement, food, natural building, community emotional health, relational practices etc.


Im curious about your plots of land in Texas, as I'd much rather be in the context of a larger project (my mini project in a bigger community project context)

Feel free to email me at
bodhitree90@gmail.com

Or send me a message on WhatsApp +19136719563



quote=S. Brown]Things have changed with regards to the Ecovillages in both California and South Carolina. South Carolina isn't happening because the family of the person that was going to sell us the land decided to suddenly get involved when they thought they could make a massive pile of money. California gave me so much grief in trying to make it happen that I'm relocating everything to Texas. California claims to be all about environmental, but it is only true when they can make a ton of money on it or just claiming it.

Watch for a post on Houston, Texas! We're working to close on a very large piece of land with a lot of potential. More resources onsite, including water & timber! My goal is to open up a selection of individual acreages up for non-permanent housing (RV, travel trailers, Yurts, etc) to be brought in but those that would like to be a part of the project. Each person would have X amount of land to use for themselves, while donating part of their time to help build out the main project and teaching center.

If anyone is interested, I've 2 - 2.5 acres properties west of Barstow for sale. Beautiful desert areas. Close to a dry lake and a man made lagoon. Very affordable!  I'll carry the payments as well. Owner financed. One is on a paved road and one is off a county maintained dirt road.

[quote=S. Brown]Hello Everyone,
Over the last few years I've been developing a beyond sustainable project on a large residential property in Riverside, which I'm now getting ready to move forward with expanding into the Temecula/Hemet area. Looking at a minimum of 20 acres and hopefully much larger.

Along with this, I've access to 25 acres in South Carolina as part of the project. Beautiful property with a stream, well and cooperation of some of the local government.

My goal is a long-term, beyond sustainable ecovillages with a focus on helping the homeless get back on their feet.

I'm currently looking for others that are interested in moving onto the current property and the property I'll be acquiring.

In exchange for helping with the project and greatly reducer cost of living you'd receive access to both properties and all the resources and knowledge that will be made available. This ranges from an ever expanding food forest, private gardening spaces, sustainable living space and much more!

Over the last 3 years of this 5 year install, I've planted over 1K edible & medicinal plants and trees to create a food forest in what was 99.5% sand and aggregate. With a water bill for the entire property of only $40 per month, but produces thousands of pounds of food a year.

Biogas, Earth Bag, alternative energy, Permaculture design and much more is already happening here.

Tours are currently available for the Beta Test property in Riverside, California to start seeing what can be done in a short period of time by myself and the occasional volunteer.

This is not just someone's dream. This is a Ecovillage already in the works and it is getting ready to take the next step.

If you're interested in living and working on changing the future for yourself and those in need, feel free to drop me a message with your contact information to discuss how you're like to be involved.

Attached is a photo of what the current property looked like and 2 years later. Now working towards the 4th year, so it's grown A LOT since those photos were taken.

Carpe Diem,
Scott[/quote][/quote]

Hello Stephanie,
I'm actually just getting ready to head back to California from a couple of weeks in Texas putting together the offer on the first 2 properties just outside of Houston! Very exciting times!

I delayed responding until I had closed these pieces, as to make sure I wasn't just blowing smoke. Should know next month if they be accepting the offers. Really shouldn't be any issues, but there's a lot for them to review and approve.

I've also spent the past few months liquidating a lot of the resources I had collected for the California projects, that are now not going to be happening. Still have a lot of things to get rid of, including the 2 properties.

Drop me a note on when you'd like to visit.

Respectfully,
Scott

Hello Bodhi,
I'll reach out through Whatsapp later today.

Respectfully,
Scott

[quote=Bodhi Tree][hey Scott, I'd be curious to chat a bit more about your vision in Texas, I was recently thinking about buying a little off grid plot of land in new Mexico to start the process of creating a little community and education center for residencies focusing on Thai bodywork, movement, food, natural building, community emotional health, relational practices etc.


Im curious about your plots of land in Texas, as I'd much rather be in the context of a larger project (my mini project in a bigger community project context)

Feel free to email me at
bodhitree90@gmail.com

Or send me a message on WhatsApp +19136719563



quote=S. Brown]Things have changed with regards to the Ecovillages in both California and South Carolina. South Carolina isn't happening because the family of the person that was going to sell us the land decided to suddenly get involved when they thought they could make a massive pile of money. California gave me so much grief in trying to make it happen that I'm relocating everything to Texas. California claims to be all about environmental, but it is only true when they can make a ton of money on it or just claiming it.

Watch for a post on Houston, Texas! We're working to close on a very large piece of land with a lot of potential. More resources onsite, including water & timber! My goal is to open up a selection of individual acreages up for non-permanent housing (RV, travel trailers, Yurts, etc) to be brought in but those that would like to be a part of the project. Each person would have X amount of land to use for themselves, while donating part of their time to help build out the main project and teaching center.

If anyone is interested, I've 2 - 2.5 acres properties west of Barstow for sale. Beautiful desert areas. Close to a dry lake and a man made lagoon. Very affordable!  I'll carry the payments as well. Owner financed. One is on a paved road and one is off a county maintained dirt road.

[quote=S. Brown]Hello Everyone,
Over the last few years I've been developing a beyond sustainable project on a large residential property in Riverside, which I'm now getting ready to move forward with expanding into the Temecula/Hemet area. Looking at a minimum of 20 acres and hopefully much larger.

Along with this, I've access to 25 acres in South Carolina as part of the project. Beautiful property with a stream, well and cooperation of some of the local government.

My goal is a long-term, beyond sustainable ecovillages with a focus on helping the homeless get back on their feet.

I'm currently looking for others that are interested in moving onto the current property and the property I'll be acquiring.

In exchange for helping with the project and greatly reducer cost of living you'd receive access to both properties and all the resources and knowledge that will be made available. This ranges from an ever expanding food forest, private gardening spaces, sustainable living space and much more!

Over the last 3 years of this 5 year install, I've planted over 1K edible & medicinal plants and trees to create a food forest in what was 99.5% sand and aggregate. With a water bill for the entire property of only $40 per month, but produces thousands of pounds of food a year.

Biogas, Earth Bag, alternative energy, Permaculture design and much more is already happening here.

Tours are currently available for the Beta Test property in Riverside, California to start seeing what can be done in a short period of time by myself and the occasional volunteer.

This is not just someone's dream. This is a Ecovillage already in the works and it is getting ready to take the next step.

If you're interested in living and working on changing the future for yourself and those in need, feel free to drop me a message with your contact information to discuss how you're like to be involved.

Attached is a photo of what the current property looked like and 2 years later. Now working towards the 4th year, so it's grown A LOT since those photos were taken.

Carpe Diem,
Scott[/quote][/quote][/quote]

Thanks Everyone for your interest in my ecovillage project that I was trying to get going in California, your support and understanding the challenges that California created to not allow it to happen.

Good news though! I've just made offers on 2 properties just outside of Houston, Texas. 5 beautiful acres of timbered land.

I'll be closing this thread to open a new one that will discuss that project and not confuse people in the long run on where the project is and how they can be a part of it.

Watch for a 'Texas Ecovillage Project' thread to be posted today! It'll have some of the details and a few photos. I look forward to seeing you all over there!

Respectfully,
Scott

The Texas Ecovillage Project' thread is now up. You'll find some recent photos and current updates. Please respond over there if you're still interested in becoming a part of the project!

Scott, thanks so much for sharing your whole adventure. I'm learning a lot just by reading this thread!

My wife and I are planning to set our roots in southern California (likely, San Diego County somewhere) and I've always dreamed of living in an ecovillage like EVI, Earthhaven, etc.

If you're open to share more about the challenges you faced in trying to set up an ecovillage in socal, I'd love to learn from your experience. My contact is wongp.brandon@gmail.com or whatsapp: +502 4149 0415.