The Future of Dandelion

My time at Dandelion Farm is coming to a close, but the work here keeps on going. In fact, a whole new phase of development is just getting started.

For the past 30 years, Loren and Candace Stolley have developed their little slice of Northern California into a beautiful organic and sustainable farm. But, as you’ve seen, there’s a lot more than just farmwork here. “Dandelion Ballad” is ready to house and educate large groups of visitors, students, and volunteers; when that begins, Dandelion Farm will become Dandelion Sustainability Institute!

2009 portends great things here. Fantastic new volunteers are beginning to express interest in coming for long- and short-term visits; the infrastructure to house and support them is essentially built; the art of Dandelion Ballad has been installed and landscaping completed; and (perhaps most importantly) the external cultural climate is more focused than ever on environmental awareness. In short, Dandelion Farm is prepared for some major developments.

Upcoming projects include the construction of additional sustainably-designed housing; permaculture efforts in the garden; fundraising and publicity; and much, much more.

If you’d like to contribute to an environmentally-oriented nonprofit while learning more about sustainable building, farming, and living, check out dandelionfarm.org for more information on the Stolley’s efforts. Whether you give time or make a donation, it’ll be going to a very good place.

And now it’s my time to leave this good place, and head home for Christmas. So I’ve bid a fond farewell to Loren and Candace, packed my bags, and hopped a bus back home.