Workshops and Interactive Experiences

Thrive Experiential Learning Programs help participants to:

• gain a new vision and hope for how humans can live together in partnership with the planet

• understand the link between social justice and ecological sustainability

• experience a sense of belonging to the land and to a learning community

• develop specific skills and knowledge to apply in their own lives and work

• be motivated to take action when they get home

MORE DETAILS:

Every year we host over 200 people for two-hour tours (“dips”), to half or full-day workshops (“dunks”), to multi-day immersion experiences (“dives”). We offer hands on experiences on a wide variety of sustainability topics including:

• Green Building

• Biochar

• Permaculture

• Food and Farming

• Governance

• Human-Environment relations

• Hands-On Nature Connection

• Sustainable Communities and Land Use

• Eco-Psychology

• Communication

• Composting

• Energy Systems and Net-Zero Design

Participants come from interests as diverse as Sociology, Architectural Design, Horticulture, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Human Ecology, Environmental Studies, Social Work, Planning, Development, and Sustainable Communities.

Take a look at the options below and decide which experience is right for your group. Itinerary can be tailored to each group.

Dip: Overview Tour (2 hours)

This brief introduction includes a walk through 1 or 2 neighborhoods, visiting inside a home, learning about cohousing, passive solar building design and community gardens. You’ll also meet some residents who are also trained volunteer tour guides.

Fees: Group rates for 6 to 25 visitors: The base price is $150 for a group of 6. Each additional participant $15/person for students, $20/person for professionals with a $50 deposit in advance. Children 12 and under join for free.

Dunk: In-depth Custom Tour (half-day & full day options)

This is a “See and Do” experience with a focus on specific topics, and optional hands-on activities. Content may include green building, energy, farming, social justice and sustainability, community development, permaculture or healthy communication. Catered lunch or dinner of local foods is available for groups of 10 or larger.

Sample Half Day Tour – Farming and Food Focus

1 – 2:30pm Overview of EcoVillage, Visit 2 different neighborhoods and a home

2:30 – 4:30pm 1 mile walking tour of Community Gardens, Chickens, Compost, Kitchen facilities

Break at Common House. Farm visit with optional hands-on garden or farm activity (in season)

4:30 – 5:00pm Q&A, Reflections and Appreciation circle back at Common House

Sample Full Day Tour – Green Building Focus

10 – 12:00pm Overview of EcoVillage, discussion about green building strategies and village energy use. Visit FROG district heating center and 50 KW solar array. Indoor home tour to observe passive solar features.

12:00 – 1:30pm Lunch in Common House. Presentation on straw bale construction

1:30 – 3:30pm Intro to Passive House design with tour of TREE neighborhood

3:30 – 5:00pm 1 mile walking tour including farms, and land use planning features. Followed by Reflections and Appreciation circle back at Common House

Fees: $30/person for half day, $60/person for full day. Meals additional. Minimum group size is five people. Ask about special pricing for student groups. Please schedule 4 weeks in advance. 30% deposit.

Dive: In-depth Experience (2 day to 5 day options)

Dives include at least one overnight, and allow for a powerful immersion experience. Price varies according to amount of time. Accommodations range from inexpensive camping options to home-stays to full price B&Bs on-site. Program options include workshops, service learning projects, interaction with community members, preparing local food meals, and more.

Sample Immersion Experience

Fees: Start at $150/person for 2 day immersion program. Meals and lodging additional. Minimum group size is 8 people. Please schedule 8 weeks in advance. 30% deposit.