Rancho Rancho

The pursuit of sustainability is a big part of why Rancho Rancho exists. Although the biggest threats to human survival come from large systems beyond the ability of any one person to reign in, there is still much that people can do at the individual level and in localized groups to counter the impact of these systems. We seek to help others in easing the transition that is necessary to achieve such goals as freedom from fossil fuels, adapting to a changing climate, and preserving the resources that gave us life in the first place.

Rancho Rancho is just one part of a much bigger picture. Guests may choose to engage with various operational aspects of the ranch to learn about power generation, sustainable horticulture, art, brewing, winemaking, herb gardening, raising chickens and other animals — learning skills they can bring home with them and apply in their daily lives, advocate for in their local communities, etc.

We host community workshops given by leaders and teachers. These detail and demonstrate many low environmental impact and sustainable techniques related to raising crops. Guests can even learn enough to establish their own home garden to supplement their household’s diet, or even to provide all the food needed for their household. Some workshops focus on the innovative techniques demonstrated on the ranch such as high-density cultivation using hydroponics and vertical crop surfaces. The ranch is particularly interested in providing guests with the inspiration needed to return home and work towards local sustainability efforts, whether that involves such things as establishing community gardens or getting zoning variances to accommodate local sourcing of food and feed crops.