Institute for Environmental Awareness, Inc.

The Institute for Environmental Awareness (IEA) is a 501(c)3 educational, nonprofit organization founded in 1973 by Dr. Larry Buell and a group of like-minded eco-pioneers. The IEA is a member driven organization funded in part by the contributions of its member. The IEA's activities are synonymous with the term "Earthlands", a 330-acre site at which most IEA activities take place. Ongoing support for the IEA and its mission comes from people and organizations desiring to maintain and sustain Earthlands so that it continues to be a place to experience community, magic, transformation and peace.

Mission:
To promote and support programs and services that encourage living and learning in harmony with the Earth and all Life.

Vision:
The renewal of human consciousness within the interrelationship of all life. Inspired and informed by Earth's living natural systems, we become responsible stewards of our communities, cultures, and our relationship to Earth. In deepening our awareness and stewardship roles, we bring about a vibrant relationship of sacred harmony with the interconnectedness of the places we inhabit.

TO CARRY OUT OUR MISSION, EARTHLANDS FOCUSES ITS ENERGIES IN THE FOLLOWING 3 AREAS:

1. EDUCATION:
University of the Wild
The university provides earth-centered education programs that empower people to become leaders in growing new and sustainable cultures. This is achieved through offering workshops, programs and residential intensives on a host of holistic and sustainable programs & modalities. The University of the Wild is also a higher education degree program fostering and promoting a "Global Ecological Citizenry" among college students.

These classes are designed as a mentored, self-directed program to meet the needs of the twenty-first century. The first classes were offered in the fall of 2007. Classes are held in the Lodge and on the Earthlands property. University of the Wild's multi-faceted learning community cultivates the unity of personal and planetary well-being through an experiential and Earth-based curriculum. The programs and services combine contemporary and ancient wisdom, integrating Self, Community, Nature, and Spirit.

2. RETREATS, PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION WORKSHOPS & EARTH ACTIVIST GATHERINGS:
Earthlands Program and Retreat Center
The Earthlands Program & Retreat Center, established in 1992, conducts and hosts on-going public educational, environmental, and personal growth programs and events that support the practice of living and learning in sacred harmony with the Land and all Life. The Center serves as a remote retreat and safe gathering space for facilitators, instructors, groups and organizations whose activities are aligned with the general vision of Earthlands. Guest facilitators and instructors conduct on-going workshops, gatherings and events promoting self-empowerment, personal transformation, artistic expression and environmental education. The Center provides a range of public programs and contracted services that support the practice of living and learning in sacred harmony with the Land and all Life. It is through life-changing experiences participating in these programs that many people have been drawn to the larger Earthlands community of members and supporters.

The Institute operates an off-grid program and retreat center providing private space for groups and facilitators whose work is in line with our mission. The Lodge, built in 1987, houses participants and provides eating and meeting spaces. There is a forest yurt for group meditation, yoga and other spiritual practices, as well as, a three charming secluded cottages. Looking south from the Lodge's expansive porch, one can view some of Earthlands many landscaped treasures including the stone medicine circle, the ceremonial fire circle, sweat lodge, grass labyrinth, and beautiful permaculture gardens & frog pond. Our campgrounds can accommodate groups ranging from 20 to 150 people.

3. LAND PRESERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING:
EARTHLANDS COMMUNITY LAND TRUST
Our vision for Earthlands property is to place it under the ownership of a legal land trust where it can be held in a sacred trust centered on environmental stewardship, ecological regeneration, cutting-edge, holistic education and sustainable living. The goal is to preserve Earthlands for future generations while developing its programs and being recognized as a valuable local and regional asset. A destination where people come to learn ways of living to adapt and succeed in this rapidly changing world in which we live. Preserved for the ages to enjoy and use as a center of education, transformation and ecological living.

The Institute's Board of Directors is currently engaged in the effort to set-up the Earthlands Community Land Trust, and begin to acquire various parcels of land that comprise Earthlands. The intention is to place the land, its forest & fields, its sacred places, historical properties, cultural gems and ecological living models in a land trust that will steward, preserve and protect these uses for generations to come. A unique community that combines education with experiential living. One that integrates the living and work environments of member staff, student residents and guests. In order to attract and retain visionary, talented, and dedicated people, an on-site residential-staff housing plan is being developed. The housing will create affordable-green residences for staff, students and guests. The buildings and landscape are being designed using state-of-the-green technologies and whole-system permaculture principles.