"Eden" has always been known as the "Garden of Plenty." The Adventure part comes in when we try to combine the best of both of these worlds in creative and imaginative ways. There are lots of great old ideas that are worth revisiting. New inventions are creating solutions instead of problems, and most are experiencing phenomenal growth. What an exciting time to be alive, sharing adventure, opport
unity and meaningful change together. Ever since I took my dear mother on a Princess Cruise to Alaska, I can still remember very clearly the onboard presentations by a writer and speaker named Michael Modzelewski. "The Inside Passage" was penned during two years he spent on an isolated island 500 miles north of Vancouver. A personal awakening took place that was based upon transcendent observation, Kwakiutl Indian teachings, and a newfound respect for the ways of the natural world. When he said onboard that ship: "We are about to become, at 7 billion in numbers, the loneliest species on the face of the Earth", a gong went off that has been ringing in my head ever since. By rebuilding our sense of friendship with others, we have a chance to restore friendship with the Earth as well. It has become all that more important for people like you and I to share ways of living that reconnect us intimately with what gives us that life support; our homes and gardens. Living classrooms can play an important part in exposing young and old alike to the cycles of natural growth in our environment. The enjoyable time they spend learning in the garden can lead to richer and better soil as well as richer and better lives. Imagine, if you will, spending just one day, one week or longer, recapturing what it was like to have a biosphere rich in diversity and natural benefits all around you. Imagine that you have just arrived at one of the many ECOS Eden Adventure Lodges around the world, planted in habitats that will be critical to the natural development and rescue of the world’s growing list of endangered species. Permaculture food forests are being planted as part of the landscape where highly intensive farming will be allowed to evolve into its ideal role. Eventually these forest gardens yield twice the food at half the effort. Maybe you like to spend some time in the canopy where oxygen gets launched into your arteries, pumps up your muscles and your mind gushes with new ideas. Some of the most creative answers to some of the toughest questions we face arrive while immersed in this type of setting. Sometimes all it takes are the soothing effects of natural water flowing through a cool forest. All of a sudden, the mind slows down a bit and, blink, a light bulb goes off. Progress has very little to do with speed and everything with direction. We all tend to leave these kinds of places refreshed, revived, responsive and with a clearer vision of what is possible in our own lives. The future that was possibly a bit foggy could suddenly become a whole lot brighter. We feel rewarded for living and breathing with the Earth in new ways that can be practiced and passed on to others. We are all helping reconnect to the simple and honest paths of existence practiced by generations. A centered and balanced outlook on life can be gained by rest and relaxation in authentic round yurt structures borrowed from the Mongolian people of 3000 yrs. The central gathering place and conference retreat center will be a panelized two story wooden yurt of custom design. Technology and natural materials will work together to ensure carbon neutral construction and design along with the best of the creature comforts in mind. Climb into the sky with tree houses planted in harmony with a birdlife canopy environment. In Northern climates study the migrations of hummingbirds from Mexico to North Idaho or watch the Hoodoo Valley fill with Blue Heron chicks during the May rookery season. In Southern tropical climates you might stay in a Sago Palm Thatched Hut constructed from native Bamboo poles and built over private tropical snorkeling waters right below your feet. Native and reclaimed materials will be showcased in a perfect blend of technological advances working hand in hand with natural and sustainable systems. Everything will be constructed with green building specifications in mind and will comply with current LEEDS standards. All structures will be living buildings that offer not only Zero impact on our planet's natural systems, they will offer Regenerative impacts that will last well beyond our lifetimes. We would like to be eventually offering organic natural food grown on site or harvested fresh locally, but always prepared in exciting and creative ways. Taking advantage of 0 carbon load energy provided by the sun, the wind, or the streams and watersheds we have, we hope to be totally self sustaining with our own micro-hydro systems and from wind turbines placed strategically for the mountainous downdrafts we receive nearly every evening. Wild ginger tea, morel mushrooms, sage, lemon basil and thyme, wild raspberries, huckleberries and wintergreen mint, black currents, and wild strawberries grow here in North Idaho, along with many other medicinal herbs native to the riparian environment. Indoor and underground greenhouses heated passively by the sun will also use radiant floor heating and utilize aquaponics in their core design. For the adrenaline loaded adventurer types, we would like to offer an educational thrill ride above the native canopy. The guests will be safely suspended on a zipline headed for a treehouse platform and an inspirational view of the wildlife just below…….. Also planned; Suspension Bridges across idyllic settings, nature trails and people mover systems for the physically challenged….. Observation towers with relaxing loungers, binoculars, and accommodations you never want to leave….. Native flora with descriptive plaques underneath that list their beneficial properties and traits. Wooden walkways will be just one more way to enjoy the environment with much less impact while providing access to all. I hope you will leave satisfied, having learned just a few small things about the good Earth that has taken such good care of us all. Maybe you can take back home a few good ideas to use in your own life. What started as a small ripple between a few could eventually become a giant wave of hope and renewal upon the Earth. Treehouse cottages will eventually be available for overnight stays, and will be designed using creative and artistic ideas that enhance the visiting experience. Cobhouses using native clay and straw that can last 500-800 years will be featured along with Native American lodging and informative displays highlighting their knowledge of wild foods and medicinal herbs. Semi-nomadic yurts will be placed in strategic locations that highlight the views and offer a pristine private setting for your complete rest and relaxation needs. What I am hoping to offer the planet at this critical time in history is a solid contribution to education and awareness; ECOS Eden Adventures provides that opportunity. A better understanding of the things we all need for a sustainable way of life on this world is the end goal. If you have skills or ideas to donate to this cause, please let us know if you would like us to include them in our design and construction plans. If you have interesting or inspiring contributions to post on this page, please feel free to do so. This is meant as the Gathering Place for all of our fans and supporters from now on. This is to be a home, a playground, and an awareness center all in one. Come and join us at ECOS Eden Adventures page with your ideas for living naturally, but also learning to duck life's curveballs with a smile. Come join us with your own stories and sage wisdom. Somewhere out there in North Idaho you can hear contagious laughter coming from the forest. Living a life of big dreams and adventure can do that to a person. Rob Lyman, Dec. 2012
