We've got the land.....

Now we just need some more people!!

We're a few families out here, all having our own living quarters, that would love to have more people here with us willing to work together to become a sort-of-self sufficient type of community.

We have room for campers and tents plus room to build a few small log cabins as well. We have a camper already here just waitin for occupancy, as well as a 16' tipi for the braver of us!

We're not a religious group or cult or anything. Just a few people who feel the world is not a nice place anymore and don't want to be an everyday part of it.

We have animals for resources...a milk goat, plenty of chickens and ducks for eggs...lots of game for the carnivorous within the group...and a huge plot of land for a garden. We're planning on expanding our animals next year, maybe some horses, who knows.

We'd like to have other folks here who share the same interests and goals. Let me share with you some of stuff we're into and have set up here on the land...we've got an archery range, martial arts practicing area which also serves as a sword-training area, paintball gun wars in the lower field (lots of fun!) and a sweat lodge and lots of vision quest hillsfor those interested in Native American ways...we have a workshop to do carpentry and metal work, a forge for steel work (in the works), and lots of room to set up any other type of creative interest you may have.

I know I said in the beginning of this thread that we're not a religious group. We all have our own spirituality, and we respect that. We all believe in Christ, whether it be in Native American or Christian beliefs, and feel that, to totally get along with others, we must at least have the same basic beliefs to really make this work as a whole. I guess what I'm trying to say is that we don't want to be reformed or anything. We believe what we believe and thats that.

Blessings,
Bee

 

It sounds great...Can you give me some more information. Where are you located? What are you asking for moneywise to live there? How many people do you currently have and how many more will be allowed in? I thank you in advance for any additional information you can give me.

 

I am intrigued and want to learn more about your community. I have a lot to offer. I have done framing, concrete forming, plumbing, electrical, drywalling, mudding, taping, painting, hung doors, put down carpets, some basic tile work and cabinetry. I am by no means a finish carpenter though.

My expertise, and field of employment for over 20 years is security electronics and have worked with all types of alarms, video camera systems, access control systems, paging/intercom systems, agricultural temperature alarms, audio systems, home theatre, virtually anything low voltage, even some home automation. I am even factory trained in Hirsch access controls which are used by the military and governments worldwide.
I also have manufactured medical ozone generators, and done staff training, design, estimation, and sales of alarm systems worth over 50 000 dollars.
My hobbies are reading about religion, history, conspiracies, and the paranormal.
I believe in magic, miracles, the power of prayer, angels, astral travel, Spirit, and have had at least six precognitive dreams in my life. My fiance is Native Indian, and the traditional spiritual belief systems are the closest ones to my heart.
I was 12 when our provincial government declared me a genius with an IQ of 148, and said I am in the top 2 % of the population in intelligence. This means virtually nothing to me though. Love, spirituality, peace, and healing are far more important to me.

Let me know more about your group. I have no interest in paint guns, or guns of any kind. I used to be a very short tempered kid and got in many many fights when I was school age. The last one where I actually threw a punch was at least 15 years ago. I do not support violence at all, though I have a couple of exceptions. I believe in capital punishment for repeat first degree murderers, and if given the opportunity, would have no qualms about ridding this earth of a serial killer. Not out of revenge, or a sense of justice, or as punishment, as I feel incarceration is far more punishing. Out of a desire to humanely remove such terribly disturbed folks from society permanently.

 

Thats awesome u guys actually got something going, I myself was wondering two things though for future planning purposes. How much did the land cost, and whats the grow schedule like down there? I was actually planning on starting a ecovillage down in Nebraska as well, as soon as Im done with some permaculture, solar systems, and horticulture training, maybe we'll be neighbors some day.

 

Long time no hear from.

Something I want to pass on to you... I was reading a thread in here about cob construction, which prompted me to Google search it, not knowing what it was about. May I suggest you do the same? Your community might make good use of the technique.


Oh yes... thanks for mowing the field.

 

Ok, lets see if I can remember all the questions!

We're in Crawford, NE. Actually 10 miles south of Crawford. We don't ask for rent, just a little help pitching in for the electricity thats used. We're not yet fully self-sustaining as far as food goes, so supplying your own food would be appreciated.

The owner of this land, David, has owned it now for 10 years and has opened it up for people ever since. The mortgage is only $250/month and thats pretty much split up with the 3 families out here.

The families include my own klan of 5, my husband and kids (3 boys 9,11 and 11) David and his 25 year old son, and another family of 4. We're in a log cabin, David and his son in the main house, and the family of 4 in their own bus.

We do appreciate helping with buiding and gardening and such. We need additions onto the barn and chicken coop that we'll eventually get around to doing. I myself HATE gardening, so I pretty much take care of the critters. My husband is a carpenter so that area is covered. But like I said before, we're pretty laid back, work doesn't last very long around here.

Crawford, which is a small town, is 10 miles away. Theres not much work there. Chadron (the main town for the area) is about 35 miles away. Its a college town so work is scarce but can be found if needed.

I probably left out some questions and I apologize. If anybody wants to call us, please feel free. We have a toll-free number 1-800-665-1637. We would actually prefer it, the net is impersonal! Just ask for David, Ken or Beth.

If I left anything out, just holler at me!

Blessings,
Bee

 

Hi Luv, thanks for the advise. I should probably look into cob construction, even though we have a pretty good connection for pine lumber, it can get pretty expensive!

And BTW, I didn't really mow the field, I paid a boyscout to mow it when y'all were'nt lookin'!

 

Cob is basically a mix of earth and straw, so you would be hard pressed to find a cheaper material. Here are some pics-
http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/7148/cobpics.html


I also found an interesting site where one can learn about all types of natural building techniques, including cob- http://www.greenhomebuilding.com/natural_building.htm

 

If only there were more jobs around, we've got serious bills (car, old cc, student loans)

and if only winter weren't setting in, that's pretty serious in Nebraska, right?

when I've got my bills paid down (or declared bankruptcy thppt) and a satellite on my
RV for internet and TV I'd hop into any community experiment like yours as you really look like you got something good out there. I do have a good job over the internet (well, it does pay money much of the time, anyway)

Best wishes
Becca

sometimes I sign myself Bee or Be

 

That's what I was thinking...if I do something like this I still need an external job (or at least a job where I have personal earnings) so I can keep up with my bills-that-won't-go-away.

I'm too chicken shit to file for bankrupcy...I mean, what if I did that, lived in a community, and then I had to come back to the regular world? I feel trapped now, I certainly wouldn't want to feel trapped in a commune-environment either.

 

Finding work can be a setback, but on the upside, if you have any creative talents you can always work from home, sell on the internet etc. There IS work in town, but its a 35 mile drive.

Right now, I'm working for the state providing home chore care, I get a call and decide whether I want that temporary job or not. It can be done, you just have to want it bad enough!

 

How big of a piece of land is it? I need atleast 40 acres for a little elbow room.

 

Well, I posted in another thread about what I'm looking for. I do have basic graphic design skills, but zero print experience (which is really holding me back). I also haven't done a lot of with web design, which is another huge drawback.

Do you have pictures of your land? I saw on Mapquest that you guys are just south of the Black Hills area in South Dakota...we took a family trip through there many many moons ago (like 15 years, give or take) and I fell in love with the country there.

 

We're a little over an hour away from the Black Hills. I love that area too. We have a picture a friend of ours took from a helicopter in August. The pic only shows about 1/6 of the land, but you'll be able to see the main living area. Its on Davids pc, I'll upload it and post a link here for you.

 

OH MAN! THAT SOUNDS SO AWSOME! I'll be giving you a call -- but im home sick right now with a sore throat so I want to keep actual talking down to a minimum! hehe

A little about me:
I'm in California -- born and raised. I have traveled to diff parts of the states but lack global travel as of yet.

I'm a yoga junkie -- always looking to learn more about yoga and I believe it is a scientific method to evolve the body and mind into that place within all of us that is the same. While I have no formal experience in teaching yoga, I have taken two teacher trainings and will soon start a class at my local dojo.

I'm 21 years old. Father of a 2 1/2 year old, not 'technically' married but Rose (aka Applespark) and I have been together for almost 8 years.

My work experience has been mainly in computer work -- administration, programming (php), a bit of database work (MySQL), and all around support for a company of about 40-50 users. I may not know everything, but I can probably figure it out. =)

Gardening is also a passion of mine, this summer was my first garden 'all by myself' style. I have learned a lot and it did OK, I am actually putting in some winter crops this week for a winter garden. I love it so much and can't wait to learn more and more and more.

I am very interested in Solar technologies and utilizing all new science that can be used in harmony with the earth to create 'modern day harmonious living environments' that are not only conducive to the natural systems of the earth but conducive to the evolution of the mind and the seeking of truth and self.

I have not built anything with Cobb, but would love to!

I agree the world is not the nicest place and starting a 'commune' or what have you has been a long time goal of mine for when I am older.

I REALLY Like how you guys have multiple hobbie stations or whatever you wanna call it, set up. I believe Creative expression is necessary to remain human! I'm also VERY intrigued with the Martial Arts training area as I also train in Aikido, the art of peace.


Some questions I have for you:

What martial art do you guys train in there?
Is there someone that teaches, or is it more of a self practice environment?

When new additions are made to the community (IE: more animals, expanded garden, new technology such as solar, new housing developments, etc) how are those decisions made????

Do you have a mission statement?

Do you have a vision or ultimate goal that the community is working towards?

I too, would love to see a picture of the land, do you know how large it is??

For education of young ones, is there a school they attend? Does someone at the land take the responsibility of educating them? Is it up to the parents?

 

Also -- are you on the net while at the land? or do you need to travel to use the internet?

 

Weren't you uncle sam on the old forums? I remember Apple, we used to have mud fights in Onerics forum.

Anyways, yes, we're all connected to the internet. We only have 2 phone lines so we have to share but if more people come out, there would be no problem getting another phone line or 2.

What martial art do you guys train in there?
Is there someone that teaches, or is it more of a self practice environment?

I'll have David come on here tonight and explain which area he teaches. I know he's into the Samaurai if that helps!
*EDITED* shoto kan is what he teaches.

When new additions are made to the community (IE: more animals, expanded garden, new technology such as solar, new housing developments, etc) how are those decisions made????

Usually when a good idea comes up and is discussed with others here, you can consider it done. Anything that will help the community as a whole is welcomed. We never had to turn down any ideas, so I guess we'll cross that bridge when the time comes. We're very interested in solar. We'd love to get off the grid and have solar power, its just a matter of time before that happens.

Do you have a mission statement? Thats a tough one to put into words...I think we all have our own mission statement, not a particular one that the group as a whole follows.

Do you have a vision or ultimate goal that the community is working towards?

We would love to be completely off the grid. Growing and raising our own food, learning and utilizing as much as we can to live off the earth, and just being as self-suffienent as possible.

I too, would love to see a picture of the land, do you know how large it is??

The land is 7 acres and outside of our acres are more acres of pines and hilly places. I'll get a picture up here by tonight, I promise!

For education of young ones, is there a school they attend? Does someone at the land take the responsibility of educating them? Is it up to the parents?

As for my own kids, they go to a rural school about 2 miles away. Theres only 9 kids in total enrolled and so far its going well. If I had the patience (gimme a break! I got 3 boys!) I would homeschool them. Homeschooling is a personal choice and whichever way you choose to school your child/children, you would be supported. Right now it would be up to the parents to school unless there was somebody here who was qualified and had the desire to teach them all. Its a goal we'd like to see happen!

I'll post that picture as soon as David gets back from town, in the meantime, tell Apple I said hi and give little Mason a kiss!

 

The thought of going back to dial-up is almost enough to completely kill my desire to do this! Just kidding

Are there any thoughts out there in reguards to expanding the amount of land? Seven acres is way more than I could ever own personally, but it doesn't sound like a lot of space for multiple groups of people...

 

Odie, I'm not sure if any of the surrounding land is for sale or not, but there's plenty of space for at least 20 people.


Here's a link of a picture of the land (the cabin and house are in the pines) and the road construction mess is now covered in grass. hope it works.

*NEW LINK*

http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/DawesFreecycle/lst

 

I can't get the links to work...