Raven Rocks, established in 1970, is a small rural project at the eastern edge of Ohio. It is a community of purpose, brought together and held together by common values and goals that have found focus in the effort to pay for, restore, and set aside for permanent preservation more than 1,200 acres of hill and ravine lands. The original environmental concern--to rescue the property from strip mining for coal--has grown to include a variety of member-financed projects, including several structures above and underground that utilize a wide range of conservation techniques and solar strategies. All agricultural projects--including our Christmas tree operation, grass-fed cattle, and gardens at all the homes--have been organic since the initial purchase. Most of our acreage has been set aside for natural restoration of the native hardwood forest. The entire property, including the homes and other improvements, is designed as a permanent preserve and hence not available for sale or development.

Nine of the ten current members are from the original group of nineteen. Members earn their own livings, and volunteer the time required to maintain the property and raise Christmas trees that pay for the land.

Education has been a fundamental interest of this group. Most of our efforts, therefore, have an educational intent--whether to educate ourselves or others.