Mendocino Ecological Learning Center

Website: http://www.melc.us

Location: Willits, California

Mendocino Ecological Learning Center (MELC) is a 501c(3) nonprofit environmental and
educational organization, emphasizing sustainable
stewardship of lands, water, housing, animals and energy
production. The center was founded in 2003 by a group of
artists, farmers, educators, naturalists and people seeking
innovative alternatives to destructive farming, housing,
energy and land management practices.

LOCATION

The center is located in central Mendocino County on
31 acres of second and third growth forest lands containing
species of Oak, Fir, Madrone, Pine, Bay, Maple, Redwood
and many others. The land contains two creeks, two
springs, tiny meadows, large rock outcroppings and a
diverse ecology of plants and animals.

FOUNDED: 2003

PROGRAMS:

GMO-free seed saving program, growing healthy GMO free seeds in Mendocino country to act as a seed bank for Chiapas region

International Sustainable Skills Camps (ISSC)
Two week intesnive education camps

Youth education program, partnership with Boys and Girls club, utilising the center as a classroom

Internships or work exchange program, participate in a variety of center activies full-time for a year

workshops, on a variety of subjects

Weekend courses, adobe construction, water filtration

Events: solar living festival, permaculture gathering

ACTIVITIES

At MELC we hone, teach and make available practical
skills, techniques and methodologies for sustainable living
throughout the world. Our goal is to become a place where
people of all ages, nationalities and disabilities can come,
learn and hopefully be inspired by the examples they see at
the center. We are developing a diverse food forest system
and including as many useful elements as possible. We use
Ecological Design, Permaculture, Organic Farming,
Natural Building, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Forestry
and an ever evolving list of techniques and methodologies
to achieve our goals.

Projects completed: We have completed 90% of our
passive-solar greenhouse, successfully installed additional
solar electric panels, solar powered water systems, a solar
electric gate, a nursery, wheelchair accessible chicken coop
and forage area, natural timber parking and storage shed,
a Cob oven, several switch back trails, irrigation systems,
community tent and recreational space, outdoor kitchen,
east garden expansion, deer fencing, many soil fertility
projects and compost operations.

VOLUNTEERING AT MELC

Projects to be involved in: We are currently implementing
the design of our site which includes; the completion of our
outdoor Hybrid Adobe restrooms/showers facility (about
40% complete) with flushable composting toilets and
natural water filtration systems, Organic gardening, work
with medicinal herbs, ecological forest management,
building pathways, garden beds, additional deer fencing,
replacing an old bridge, creating ponds, swales, additional
solar panel installations, additional garden and crop areas,
plant propagation and installations, hedgerows, windbreaks
and an open food forest. Future projects include, Micro-
Hydro energy system, large chicken and rabbit heated
greenhouse, aquaculture, dairy goats and hydrogen
production, storage, heat and energy generation.

Funding: We are a 50lc (3) non profit organization and are
dependant on grants, donations, membership fees and
various forms of fundraising for income. Most projects are
dependant on additional funding; please contact us for
details on what projects are currently available to be
involved in.

Suggested length of stay: Worked out on individual basis,
however stays of two weeks or longer are encouraged.
Possible available space for internship position(s).
Volunteers are accepted from April to November. Please
contact us for availability; we are hoping for 6-8
volunteers, however these numbers are flexible depending
on needs.

Accommodations: Large community tent, trailer or you are
welcome to bring your own tent, hammock or just sleep
under the stars. Temperatures from mid-spring to late fall
are usually warm to hot in the day with mild to warm
nights.

Terms: Volunteers are expected to give 60 hrs. per month
of help in exchange for organic meals (mostly vegetarian),
lodging, propane, water and the experience gained by being
part of the creation of our ecological learning center.
Transportation will be provided when available.
No pets or children at this time.

Languages: English/Spanish