Mission

The mission of Fuente Verde is to create a mixed-use ecologically designed community, where residents live within a working organic farm. As a model for sustainable living, Fuente Verde’s goal is to create a community that is both ecologically and socially enriching. The greater farm will be comprised of working gardens, integrated animal systems, orchards, ponds and aquaculture facilities, nurseries and greenhouses. In essence, we are creating an engaging and productive neighborhood, safe and enjoyable for the entire family.

Vision

The vision of Fuente Verde is the integration of both community and sustainable agriculture. We are creating a model environment through regenerative design processes, where we live in greater harmony with one another and the landscape around us. In the celebration of diversity, equality, connectedness and democracy, we support the foundation for an enriching quality of life.

Process

Fuente Verde’s farm and community infrastructure is well underway, including roads, bridges, drainage systems, terraced garden beds, a spring water catchment system, 8 aquaculture ponds, and a 2,800-square foot volunteer house/community center. Infrastructure scheduled as part of the master plan includes 8 guest cabins, a yoga/meditation center, a barn, plant nursery and animal housing. At minimum, Fuente Verde’s revenue streams will include income from the following: the rental of the 8 guest cabins, the sale of organic produce and dairy products, the on-site hosting of educational workshops, as well as a pay-to-learn volunteer program. With our current members, we already have a wealth of experience in providing each of these marketable services.

Link to Master Plan pdf.

Principles

Village Design

  • The placement and organization of members’ houses and communal structures will be consciously designed to integrate Permaculture principles

Sustainable Agriculture & Local Organic Food Production

  • On-site food production in an organic management framework
  • Production of resident’s food needs through diverse and dynamic agricultural ecosystems, including forest gardens, integrated animal systems, aquaculture ponds, vegetable gardens and nurseries

Ecologically Designed Housing

  • All buildings and structures will be designed for maximum eco-effectiveness. Eco-effectiveness ensures maximum material health and safety to humans and the environment
  • Use of local, reclaimed, renewable, recycled and low environmental impact construction materials will be prioritized
  • Design of structures for energy efficiency is a primary objective: including passive cooling, passive solar water heating, energy efficient fixtures and appliances

Energy Conservation & Waste Management

  • Biological nutrients and biodegradable materials will be used for human purposes and safely returned to the environment to feed ecological processes
  • Technical nutrients, synthetic or mineral materials will be up-cycled, reused, or recycled.
  • At least 70% of waste generated by residents and commercial operations within the development should be reclaimed, composted or recycled

Clean Water

  • Potable water will be provided by one of two mountain spring sources
  • All water and wastewaters will be filtered on-site through natural biological processes, to be returned to the Earth in a beneficial manner

Abundant Wildlife and Forests

  • Increase and promote local biodiversity and natural resource stocks through riparian preservation, biological corridors and reforestation

 

Eco-Education

  • An active volunteer program encourages learning opportunities for a wide variety of participants from all walks of life
  • Permaculture Design Courses and workshops are offered regularly throughout the year
  • Hands-on internship and training opportunities can be arranged