This cooperative neighborhood on a gorgeous old farmstead in central Vermont was established by a group of friends who met in the early 1980s while working together in regional antinuclear, feminist, and disarmament coalitions. Initially we gathered as an informal study group to learn about land trusts and collective living. We spoke with people who had lived in communes and collectives and began to explore alternative legal and financial structures with a lawyer who specializes in cooperatives and worker-owned businesses. Our goal was simplicity, fairness, and flexibility. Fortunately, it meanwhile took us several years to find land that we could afford, by which time we had a strong basis of understanding among our members (during those two years we met together at least monthly), as well as a solid set of bylaws. Being a cooperative instead of a land trust has been important to all of us; also important has been the fact that we live off the grid--our homes are powered by solar and/or wind energy. Our present shared projects include woodland stewardship and a community sauna. We're a musical, good-humored group, very tuned into our kids. We are not seeking new members because for now we've found a size that seems just right.

  Status: Thriving; not growing.