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The Econ FarmThe Econ Farm is five acres of pristine Florida land located on the Econlockhatchee River, between UCF and Christmas. The Econ Farm was purchased in 2003 by board member Tia Meer, and a portion of it has been made available to Simple Living Institute, Inc. through a chartiable lease agreement.  Because 75% of the acreage is designated wetlands, the Econ Farm is not a traditional farm -- no barn, no farm animals, and no fields. However, we have constructed two large garden beds on the high and dry area near the road, where we grow a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Plantings include papayas, pineapples, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, sugar snap peas, turnips, basil, and peppermint, to name just a few. Due to the hot climate, the major planting season for traditional food crops in Florida is fall instead of spring. Each year we have two planting cycles, one spring planting for summer fruits and flowers, and one fall planting for vegetables and herbs. This also allows for two harvest celebrations!We are slowly returning the entire wetlands area to its Florida heritage by removing all exotic plants, and replacing them with native Florida plants. We have cut a nature trail loop which starts at the clearing and leads through the wetlands, down to the river, and back through and around to the clearing.  We constructed a fire pit, which we use to burn debris, roast sweet potatoes, and warm up star-gazers on winter nights. We keep a canoe at the Farm, to encourage visitors to explore the Econlockhatchee River, which is a beautiful, natural river. We are still working to clear blockages on the river after the 2004 Hurricane Season.For a taste of natural Florida, come visit us during one of our events at the Farm! For more pictures of the Econ Farm, visit our Photo Gallery. Upcoming Events
Beermaking WorkshopWhen: Saturday, February 25th, 2012, 2:00-5:00pm This beginner level workshop will provide all the basic knowledge needed to start brewing your favorite beer right in your own kitchen. Experienced beer brewer, Terry Meer, will show you the equipment and techniques needed to brew beer. He will guide you through the mash, sparge, and fermenting process and show you how to keg your new brew. The workshop is hands-on with free samples of our favorite brews. Fee $20 members/$25 non-members Advanced Registration Required! To Register email us Or call (321) 228-4310 >View Beermaking Workshop Flyer Tranquility Workshop When: Saturday, March 17th, 2012, 8:00-5:00pm The Tranquility Workshop is an immersion into the mind, body, and soul. Join us at the peaceful, natural setting of the Econ Farm to let go of the everyday worries and learn how to nurture your body. The workshop will include hands-on sessions covering the art of massage, acupuncture, yoga, Qi-gong, meditation and a sunset campfire Kirtan. Camping and three homegrown healthy meals per day are included. In this day of tranquility you will learn how to reduce stress, be more mindful of your everyday actions and surroundings, increase health and wellness, and harmoniously interact in the world around you. Fee $90 members/ $99 non-members Advanced Registration Required! To Register email us Or call (321) 228-4310 Permaculture Design Course When: Summer 2012 Instructors Tia and Terry Meer will be offering the next 72-hour Permaculture Design Course in Orlando, FL in the summer of 2012. Participants that attend all sessions of this class and complete the final design project will receive a certificate in Permaculture Design. If you are interested in signing up for the upcoming PDC email us, or call Tia Meer at 321-217-8492 Check for our Permaculture meet ups on the The Orlando Permaculture MeetUp Group Check out the YouTube video of our Spring 2011 Permaculture Design Course and learn more and connect on our Permaculture page. Econ Farm Location and Directions16206 Hamilton DriveOrlando, FL 32833 Map it! Located on the Econlockhatchee River, in between UCF and Christmas. To reach the Econ Farm from Downtown Orlando: Travel east on the East-West (408) and exit at the E 50 (Colonial) Exit to Titusville (exit #22). Take a right onto 50 at the end of the off ramp. Travel along 50 for approx 2.5 miles, and take a right onto Tanner Rd, which is the road immediately after the Econlockhatchee River sign and mini-bridge. Turn left at the T onto Old Cheney Hwy. Turn right onto Lockwood Dr. Turn right at the T onto Hamilton Dr. The Econ Farm is the third and fourth entrances to your left. Visit the Econ FarmThe Econ Farm is private property, not open to the general public. However, in addition to public opportunity to visit the Econ Farm during scheduled workshops, owners Tia and Terry Meer accommodate small groups for tours by appointment. Contact Tia by email to coordinate your visit.The Econ Farm also accepts volunteers and WWOOFers. For more information, visit WWOOF USA. |
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Simple Living Institute, Inc. PO Box 536457 Orlando, FL 32853-6457 info@simplelivinginstitute.org |
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