Many of you have been checking in to see how Ekone is faring in this extreme fire week. Thank you. ♥
We're okay. It's quiet at the ranch, and there are no fires near us at this time. We've been reviewing our fire plans, raking around buildings, and monitoring the situation closely. It's quite smoky now, but not as bad as many other areas. We're staying indoors as much as possible, and keeping all the animals as mellow as we can.
We're also doubling down on our commitment to fire-wise buildings, forest stewardship, and adaptations to life in fire country. We know that fire seasons will continue to be intense, and it's our responsibility to learn to live in respect of this powerful element. And to fiercely defend a livable climate for all, too.
In 1972 when Ray Mitchell and friends bought the first 160 acres of Ekone Ranch, they became the third household on all of Old Mountain Road. Now there are hundreds of homes out here--and that many more sparks flying from lawnmowers, chainsaws, vehicles, power lines, and human error. And that much more risk to human life and home when fire visits us. Make those fires more intense in a changing climate, and we have a catastrophe. It's the same story all over the West.
So Many beings are suffering today. Our hearts go out to all who are affected.
If you miss Ekone, if you want to know how we're faring in Covid, if you're curious about our approach to living with fire, if you want to know more about our reckoning with race, or if you'd just like to connect in real time~ you're invited to a live Zoom call with staff and board on September 21, 5:30-6:30pm. We'll give an update from the ranch, respond to questions, and have as much of a conversation as we can by screen! We'd sure love to see your face.
Please RSVP by either registering for the UnBarbed Wire Ball or just responding to this email, and we'll send you the Zoom link day-of.
We highly recommend tuning in for the UnBarbed Wire Ball...we are brewing up some really fun content to warm your heart and help us all be nourished for the winter ahead! There will be limericks, cooking tips, horse interviews, safety advice from Safety Suzie, poetry, and So Much Music from stars of the Ekone Stage and Garden Party. And an auction packed with one-of-a-kind goods and experiences! More about our schemes HERE.
Because even--and especially--when times are tough, we still need to get ready for winter, share some laughter, and celebrate the things we love.
We love YOU!
From all of us at Ekone, including this Western Gray Squirrel burying acorns for winter~
Sacred Earth Foundation stewards 1,138 acres in the upper Rock Creek watershed, and is the home of Ekone Summer Camps and White Eagle Memorial Preserve.
