Minnesota Ecovillage Project

living in harmony with the earth by the power of the sun

visitor guidelines

General Guidelines

 

  • The ecovillage is a community, villagers live here, please respect it as a home. Do not go into anyone’s private space (“yards” as well as cabins or tents) uninvited. 
  • We are striving to be a minimal waste community, guests are asked to limit the amount of waste they bring in and foresee leaving at the MNEV (especially one time use plastics).
  • Vehicles should stay in the designated parking area. If you need to go past the stop sign, ask for a villager. 
  • The speed limit in the village is Pi, 3.14 miles per hour.
  • No smoking in any public areas (common house, deck, pond, any of the central walkways). Smoking, drinking, substance use should be done in private. People under the influence, to a significant degree, should avoid common areas unless necessary.

 

Cell Service/Wifi

  • Please note that service is very unreliable at the MNEV, and all connection needs should be planned to be done over wifi.
  • Wifi Network: Solis
  • Wifi Password: Tobypupper

 

Donation

  • Donations can be made over venmo @minnesotaecovillage , or by check written out to “Minnesota Ecovillage Project”, or by paypal to minnesotaecovillage@gmail.com. 

 

Drinking Water

  • Water from either the faucets on the deck or the sink in base camp is clean drinkable water from our well (it does go through garden hoses). The water in the common house is drinkable and has an extra filter to remove iron taste. 

 

Bathrooms

  • Composting toilets (outhouses) are used at MNEV. Please scoop in enough sawdust to cover your waste every time.
  • A wash station is on the ledge outside the room with hand sanitizer water and soap.
  • Guests are encouraged to use nature for #1 when possible.  

 

Shower

  • We share one communal shower here amongst the village and guests are asked to keep showers short (under 10 min) so that enough hot water is available for the village. 
  • All soaps, shampoos, conditioners, ect. must be biodegradable as they will be running into the Earth. 

 

Communal Spaces

  • The screened in Deck and our Common house are our two main communal spaces. 
  • Please help to keep these spaces clean and free of clutter. 
  • Anything left out of place is subject to being put in the MOOP (matter out of place bin)
  • Cats are intended to be kept out of communal spaces in general so please ask a villager before letting any pets into the communal spaces.

 

Food

  • Visitors are invited to join us for our communal dinners, bring your own breakfast and Lunch but feel free to share our kitchen, refrigerator and cooking supplies. 
  • Food in the common areas is shared, but permission should be asked before taking anything. 
  • Food marked with a name or initials etc. should be respected.
  • Guests are expected to clean up fully after themselves and any children in their party as well as helping with after dinner clean up. 

 

Swimming 

  • Swimming in the ponds is allowed and encouraged; there is no lifeguard on duty.
  • Children should wear life jackets on the boat and be attended by an adult at all times.
  • No nudity when minors may be present (ask villagers).

 

Animals

  • The ecovillage is an animal sanctuary, the animals are part of the community. Animals may be grazing or loose in the village. Watch out for horse and chicken poop.
  • No animals off leash at the MNEV, and please let us know ahead of time if you’re bringing a dog.
  • The village has dogs, cats, chickens and guinea fowl, horses. Please be respectful to the horses and do not approach them.
  • Horses and Chickens can be pet, given treats, etc. with the attendance of a villager.
  • Do not pick up the chickens.

 

Nature

  • The paths around the village (from the campsites or to the river) are rough footpaths. Whenever moving through the trails/forests/fields, you should check for ticks afterwards.
  • The river is shallow in most places, the stones might be slippery or sharp.
  • Do not take bones, stones, wood etc. from the ecology.
  • Foraging of mushrooms and herbs is permitted, but do not take more than you will consume.
  • When foraging, leave a reasonable fraction of whatever is collected (no less than 25%).

 

Tools

  • Do not move tools or project materials without permission.
  • Do not take tools from the tool shed without a villager present.

 

Camping

  • Do not start a fire without a resident present or permission (wood stoves, fire pits, etc).
  • Do not cut trees (even dead trees) without express permission/involvement from a resident.

 

Thanks for reading and we look forward to having you with us!

 

-MNEV Villagers