Enota Ecovillage

I stated before that I was recently inspired by a fellow Agent (Reid Falconer) to look into ecovillages. I am not situated in Africa, unfortunately, so its rather difficult to outreach that far without adequate funds. However, I have been looking into local ecovillages and settlements near my current home in Georgia (US). I found one about three hours away.

Enota is located in Hiawassee, Georgia, on 60 + wooded acres, which were once ancient, sacred Cherokee land, then a Cherokee village. When gold was discovered in the mountains in the 1800’s, the land was confiscated by the US government, and subsequently sold to a family who homesteaded it for 60 years before selling it to the YMCA, which used the land as a boys camp for 50 years. It then became an RV, cabin and tent campground and is now in Trust for conservation and educational purposes. It is surrounded by 750,000 acres of Chattahoochee National Forest and has never been used for cattle grazing or had any pesticides or chemicals used on it. It offers some of the cleanest air and water available. It is located 1 ½ miles from the Appalachian Trail (which can be reached from the property) and is a direct neighbor to Brasstown Bald Mountain, the highest mountain in Georgia.

[Quoted directly from website]

On Food:
Enota practices organic farming. We have a seven-year old organic garden - one of the most labor intensive on-going projects. Fruit trees and berry bushes have been planted, there are mushrooms on logs throughout the property, and a greenhouse has been erected. Enota tries to use as much as possible from the garden but not all meals are vegetarian nor are they all organic. (I hate to say it, but I do love meat.)

Enota's entire property is certified organic with a 10 acre bio-dynamic garden and farm. As part of our educational program in the farming practices we are continually planting orchards, berry bushes and edibles throughout the property. As part of our educational program in the farming practices we are continually planting orchards, berry bushes and edibles throughout the property.

Enota has animals. In our commitment to be sustainable, we have chickens from which we will get our own eggs. We have eight Nubian goats, a miniature horse, two cows - which we milk daily, rabbits, ducks and other resident animals. Enota is not presently self-sustaining but we get closer every day.

On Energy:
Enota would like to transition to alternative energy in the near future. Enota has a state-of-the-art hydroelectric micro power plant, which has the ability for 28kw and has the capability to run our main Lodge. This power source is completely functional but not yet operational. As part of our sustainable and educational commitment we are working towards implementing alternative energy sources, such as solar and wind, as demonstration models throughout the entire property. We are looking for individuals who will work with us to bring this transition into reality. (I hope to assist in this transition as best I can.)

On Work Exchange:
Enota is a Campground, Retreat Center & Farm. The service we do is whatever it takes to serve our guests, steward this land, take care of our farm & animals, take care of ourselves, and build a sustainable life. Work-exchangers typically serve in housekeeping, cabin cleaning, kitchen, bathrooms, maintenance, landscaping, cooking & kitchen, front desk, web design, computer work, promotion, plumbing, electrical and construction, organic gardening, animal care, husbandry, as well as whatever else is needed. Most work-exchangers begin their service in housekeeping, unless they have specialized skills (plumbing, electrical, construction, etc.). Approximately a 30-50 hour week during the season, depending on whether you are in the stipend awards program.

(There is a lot more information, especially on the price of lodging or space in the village, that I will not include here.)

I plan to pay a visit to the village as soon as I possibly can. From what I've seen I have no doubt I want to be involved in any way I can be useful. I can not yet afford to make the transition to live there for 4 months, or the full 8-month season (April 1st - November 31st). It is my personal goal to spend a few weeks there this year, and/or make the half/full stay next year.

I found this ecovillage via the Global Ecovillage Network. Check it out and see if there's one near you! You just may be surprised. I know I was.