Our nonprofit Center for Regenerative Ecological Education at the Cascades Guesthouse had quite a Fall! We planted trees and cover crops, began to build a Greenhouse for the spring, continued to feed local residents facing Food Insecurity, worked on a curriculum for our young volunteers -- and then a Fire -- confronting us with a lesson in impermanence & resilience...

Our Mission is to:

bring young adults and wise elders together
around Permaculture and Agroforestry and
dinners & dialogues
in ways that help each individual live into their deeper purpose, and
in the process contribute to a vibrant future for our local community and the Earth
We accomplish our vision by building Healthy Soil (that puts carbon back in the earth),
providing Healthy Food to poor and rich alike
and in the process build resilience, community connection and
a Healthy Planet that invites our Children & Grandchildren to Thrive

On Saturday, November 2 it seemed we marked an important step in our capacity to serve the community and the earth with a sense of camaraderie and joy. We hosted a dinner for some 24 individuals, many of whom have been volunteers helping us feed those in need, others were some of the 40 young interns we have hosted over the years. We reflected on the ancestors who had inspired the highest virtue in our life, emulating many cultures celebrations of the Day of the Dead at the transition time from summer to winter. It was a wonderful evening and we imagined it would be the beginning of many more gatherings -- welcoming community members of every persuasion to genuine connection. AND THEN...

On Monday, November 4 the Mystery that had birthed this endeavor decided it was time to teach us the lesson of impermanence and resilience. An unexpected FIRE did serious damage to our historic Guest House. At the same time it invited us to move forward in new ways. The fire engulfed our 200 year old Stone Shaker Building for most of the day, coming to rest after 300,000 gallons of water poured through our beautiful home. No one was injured but the top two floors and most of the Guest House's rooms were like a bombed out city.

Yet, miraculously, other than serious water damage the ground floor kitchen and dining room, and the main floor library and five bedrooms were left largely intact; and the sturdy Shaker structure is sound. Our prized Jewel, the waterfall room, is out of commission but undamaged! Hard to know what to make of these occurrences, such as every statue of the Buddha, of Mary, of St Francis and of all the Great Sages from around the world were left untouched despite water, fire and falling beams. Our Guesthouse & Permaculture Sanctuary modeled an atmosphere of peace. For some reason the symbols of that hospitality were left untouched and, with some help, we will be able to rebuild and continue our Regenerative Permaculture work.

Over the past eight years, since taking over what was then the Inn at Shaker Mill Farm from Ingram, its aging founder, we worked diligently to create a welcoming, comfortable environment that offered delicious food and sacred hospitality to everyone who crossed our threshold. We were blessed to take over the property because we were the only one willing to care for Ingram and allow him to stay on the property for the rest of his life. He had loved this enchanting property for some 50 years. We spent time with him regularly and he enjoyed life to the end. There is a meditation space, looking out at the pond he loved, to honor his memory and the gifts we gave to each other.

In addition to the many miracles, the Guest House revenues that allowed us to plant 1100 trees and help feed the local community over the last five years has been eliminated for the time being. The sooner we can restart that revenue stream the better we can serve the earth and future generations.

You can help us continue our work by clicking the Blue Donate Button in the upper right corner, or by sharing this with friends or social media by clicking the Button Below the Donate Button; or by connecting someone you know who may be interested in joining us as an intern, volunteer, donor or fellow:

Via Email at friend@creeed.info or via phone or text at 410-216-9000

At the same time, however

the potential revenues from a revitalized guest house
could multiply profits many times,
offer returns to inspired investors, and
help us AMPLIFY our efforts to serve the earth and future generations

Our average charge before the fire was $200 a night, and our occupancy rate was approximately 30%. During the high season rates at mainstream hotels in our area are in the range of $700 a night for a standard room, and occupancy rates are closer to 70%. Many venues are sold out all summer. It is easy to see three or four times greater revenues at the Cascades going forward.

Our cascading waterfall, edible food forest, stream and pond are unique. The potential revenues that could fund our earth friendly endeavors and offer a return to investors are large. The property itself and the 200-year-old Stone Shaker building hold great value. We seek like-minded colleagues who, with a mix of philanthropic contribution and debt financing, will be excited to help us rebuild more beautifully and even more profitably then before the fire. As we move forward in a timely manner, we can continue to develop our Permaculture Plan, to grow food, to feed those in need; and to serve the Earth, the local community, our children, and our grandchildren for years to come.

Our financially viable nonprofit enterprises serve a higher purpose. They offer a refuge of sacred hospitality that facilitates genuine connection and deep learning. In that context, as we help to feed the local community we provide opportunities for individuals, particularly young adults seeking a life and a living, to develop skills related to food and farming. Healthy soil, healthy food, healthy people and a healthy planet is our mantra. Our historic building is in need of repair; and financial resources are needed to bring it back even more beautiful and more profitable than before the fire. We need support to continue our nonprofit’s purpose: to provide a profitable venue for all those seeking their life’s purpose and to contribute in significant ways to their own well-being, the well-being of future generations and the well-being of the Earth.

To make a tax deductible donation - click the Blue Button in the upper right corner. To share with friends click the Button Below the Donate Button

Even more important as the cold approaches, please help us get through the winter and then bring this amazing structure back to its full glory in the spring by a contribution of your time, your creative talent, or your financial resources. To offer your time and talent call 410-216-9000 or email us at friend@creeed.info

Any help you can offer will be deeply appreciated.

We hope to hear from you at 410-216-9000 or at friend@creeed.info as we engage in the next step of our important journey to support the health and well-being of the earth and of our children and grandchildren.

If you feel drawn to our mission and would like to join with us in any way we are truly grateful, and we will be sure to welcome you as our guest as our hospitality regains full force in the spring...

You can make a donation by clicking the Blue Button in the upper right corner or share this with friends by clicking the Button just below the Donate Button

Or connect via email at friend@creeed.info or via text or call at 410-216-9000 to learn more, or to share you time or talent or to introduce someone who may be interested in joining us as an intern, volunteer, donor, or fellow.

We are rebuilding to better serve the Earth & Future Generations

The Cascades Sanctuary at CREEED (the Center for Regenerative Ecological Education & Enterprise Development) is a tax-exempt organization in the United States under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax ID: 83-2571369. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent permitted by law

FIRE, Many Miracles - Help Us Rebuild the Permaculture Sanctuary

We work for a Thriving Future for the Earth & Future Generations - Highlighted in the Video -- Healthy Soil, Healthy Food, Healthy People & a Healthy Planet