Moonshadow

Moonshadow is deeply integrated with the land, a forested Appalachian valley with caves, creeks, and bluffs. Our deliberate existence has a minimum impact on the forest ecosystem. We combine traditional knowledge with appropriate scientific methods to interact intelligently with nature. Our handcrafted buildings are made of natural materials. Our energy is from the sun and the forest. Trees and shrubs are integrated with food crops and herbs for self-sufficiency. We experiment with native and exotic plants for nutrition and medicine. Artistic expression fulfills personal, functional, and political needs. As organizers in the environmental and social-justice movements, we network with other groups and individuals.

We are striving to facilitate an evolutionary process that will radically change the system--the dominant paradigm--to ensure a sustainable future and equality for all life. We have created a solar-powered office space where the Sequatchie Valley Institute, a nonprofit education organization, is based. Our major goal is to share our collectively gained wisdom through workshops, tours, publication, video, audio, computer networking, and gatherings. The mission of the Sequatchie Valley Institute is to offer society an opportunity to experience and learn about living in harmony with nature by providing:
- education, art, and research opportunities, land conservation and restoration;
- a dynamic model residence and learning center; and
- a vision for attaining a sustainable future.

Our five main programs are: Landscape and Architecture (permaculture, edible landscaping, natural building, and alternative energy), Outreach, Education and Research (off-site presentations and counseling, tours, teacher enrichment and academic research), Moonshadow Programs (workshops, conferences and events), MEDIA RIGHTS (a media production company encompassing the goals of SVI, producing newsletters, video, audio, public art projects, and the SVI website) and Land Conservation.

We hope that sharing our experience and vision will help people move more gently on the Earth. Ecology!