Experiential Education at the EcoVillage
The EcoVillage at Ithaca is an experiment in cooperative living, focused on resource sharing, green design, and democratic governance. Located on 175 acres of land, including forests, farms, meadows, and wetlands, it is a living laboratory for sustainability education where students gain hands-on experience in regenerative agriculture, green building, ecosystem restoration, and more. Email us at contact@thriveithaca.org to schedule an educational program for your class, club, or organization.
“My visit far exceeded my hopes and expectations. This whole semester at college, I’ve been exploring alternative styles of living, and EcoVillage has by far been the most appealing option. The strength and intentionality of this community is beyond what I could ever imagine.”
- SUNY Potsdam Student, Sustainable Communities Immersion
Half-Day Program (2-3 hours)
Discover what it means to live in an ecovillage, where neighbors work together to:
foster interdependence & counter the loneliness epidemic
plan for climate resilience
support aging in place
model green architecture & design
restore habitat & native species
improve soil health through regenerative agriculture
model participatory decision making & dynamic governance
Fees: $150 for up to six students, +$25 for each additional participant. Please schedule at least two weeks in advance. $50 non-refundable deposit.
Full-Day Program
Spend a day exploring intentional community through experiential workshops at the EcoVillage, designed to meet your learning outcomes. Workshops include: regenerative agriculture, art & activism, non-violent communication, climate change & mental health, yoga, composting, and more. Incorporate a service-learning project at one of our four farms or cook a community meal together!
Fees: $60/person. Meals additional. Minimum five students. Please schedule at least four weeks in advance. 30% non-refundable deposit.
EcoVillage Immersion Programs (2 to 5 days)
Design a custom overnight, spring break, or summer immersion at the EcoVillage.
Fees: Prices vary depending on program length, starting at $150/person for a 2-day program. Meals and lodging additional. Minimum eight students. Please schedule at least four weeks in advance. 30% non-refundable deposit.
Classroom workshops & guest lectures
Thrive’s sustainability educators can lead workshops or guest lecture on your campus or online. Inquire at contact@thriveithaca.org for details.
“The [5 day] program was an excellent balance between the physical environmental aspects and the social and community dynamics. It worked very well... Can’t wait to return.”
– Dr. Heather Sullivan-Catlin, Professor of Sociology, SUNY Potsdam Sustainable Communities Immersion