| Walker Creek
Walker Creek, a twenty-acre rural community near Mount Vernon, was established in 1979 to practice and promote organic farming, food self-reliance, energy efficiency, and non-polluting technologies. The stated purposes of Walker Creek include “assisting the growth of a new culture and society which incorporates the principles of human cooperation, personal growth, ecological awareness and the preservation of the natural beauty of this earth...”
Walker Creek community retains about half of its 20 acres in woodland and protects a salmon-spawning creek. The rest of the land includes private gardens, homes, communal roads, trails, lawns, orchards, and play equipment. Each home contains an independent family, extended family or individual. The adult population, usually about 10 people, meets monthly to share a meal and reach consensus on issues facing the community. At this time, there is no room for new members, but we are in the process of converting a barn into a community center/guest house. | Contact: Links: Evergreen Land Trust: The Evergreen Land Trust Association holds cooperative houses, farms, and forestlands in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. As members of the Association, we live on or nearby the properties that are entrusted to our care, and govern the organization democratically. |
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Population Gender Balance: 55% M 45% F | Government Decision Making: By consensus (Consensus minus one, to be more specific) Leadership Core Group: No | Labor and Money Financial Style: Members have independent finances Labor Contribution: Expected (At one of our annual meetings, the community does a visioning/giving session where we identify in what way each member would like to give that year. We use this time to brainstorm projects for the year and set up collaborations.) Join Fee: No (We are considering this, but since we have no openings it hasn't been a priority.) Regular Fees: Yes (Members pay dues to the Evergreen Land Trust, which is our parent organization. We also collect additional monies to help steward Walker Creek and to further the mission of the Evergreen Land Trust. Currently we pay $150 per month.) | Land and Buildings Rural Area: 20 acres (8.1 hectares) Land Owned By: Other (The Evergreen Land Trust.) | Food, etc. Percentage of Food Grown: 6-20% Share Community Meals: 1-3 times/month Dietary Choice or Restrictions: Diet is up to each individual Dietary Practice: Omnivorous Alcohol Use: Used occasionally Tobacco Use: Seldom used (Just the one wayward soul and the infrequent guest. Naturally, smoking only done outdoors!) | Social Factors Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members: Yes Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults): No Shared Spiritual Path: No Which Spiritual Path(s): Eclectic (integrates pieces from many religions) (And several here who detest organized religion altogether!) Educational Style(s): Home schooling :: Private school off the property :: Public schooled | |
