People participating in permaculture and homesteading activities at Wheaton Labs.

Wheaton Labs

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Established
  • Ecological
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 2013

What we do

Wheaton Labs is owned by Paul Wheaton and is over 220 acres near Missoula, Montana. It is actually TWO pieces of property, base camp and the lab. Base camp is on-grid, ROCKY, has wifi, and is where Paul lives in the “Fisher Price House.” The lab is down a paved, then gravel, then dirt (some times mud adventure!) road, is off-grid (with our solar trailers), no wifi / spotty cell reception, and is where ant village is located.
The main goal of Wheaton Labs is permaculture innovation and to build a better world in our backyard.
There are a few ways to join us at Wheaton Labs. You can join us a boot at the permaculture bootcamp, as someone who is Seriously Excited about Permaculture, or join our deep roots lifetime rent program.
The Permaculture Boot Camp is an experiential learning environment in which you develop permaculture skills through a little hard work. You’ll grow gardens and food forests to feed yourself and fellow Boots; you’ll learn natural building skills that will house your bootcamp community for years to come. Come try it out with no long-term commitment! Earn tickets to our pdc, ptj, and skip events! if you love it, stay for a while and earn lifetime rent for an acre of your own!
This link will have more info! https://wheaton-labs.com/bootcamp/
As a SEPPer (Seriously Excited about Permaculture) you are not required to do 40+ hours of project work but will need to pay rent and provide your own food. This is a great way to test the waters before committing to working the bootcamp or purchasing lifetime rent of land in our deep roots program. You can join as a SEPPer an day that works for you, rather than waiting for the boot arrival date. There is no waitlist and your accommodations do not depend on the comings and goings of other boots.
Follow this link for more info: https://permies.com/wiki/sepper
Our deep roots program is for those who are already familiar with Paul Wheaton and how we do things at Wheaton Labs. You can buy lifetime rent on an acre or 3. You cannot put your first post in the ground without meeting certain requirements. The important thing is that we only want deep roots people that are a good fit for our community and appreciate our values.
Learn more here: https://permies.com/t/168047

Our Mission

Permaculture Innovation
Develop permaculture and homesteading skills through a little hard work.
Make the world better instead of being angry at bad guys.
World Domination through Permaculture!

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Community type
  • Coliving
  • Ecovillage
  • Sustainability practices
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Permaculture design
  • Natural / low-impact building
  • Activities
  • Property management
  • Education
  • Experiences
  • Networking
  • Services Business

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2013
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2013
  • Started living together
  • 8 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
8

How to join

(Recommended) To join wheaton labs as a SEPPer without the work requirement of bootcamp, follow this link here: https://permies.com/wiki/sepper
(For those who don’t mind hardwork and want the hands on experience) To join wheaton labs permaculture bootcamp, you pay the $100 sign up fee, fill out a questionnaire, and pick your arrival date! It is that easy! Sign up here: https://wheaton-labs.com/bootcamp/
We prefer you stay at least 1 week.
But if you decide to stay awhile…
+eight weeks in the bootcamp to get a ticket to our Permaculture Design Course or some of our other events.
+four months in the bootcamp to get more than a year of rent in Ant Village
+two years in the bootcamp to get “deep roots” – a lifetime of rent on an acre.
For those who are already familiar with Paul Wheaton and Wheaton Labs, we also have 1-3 acre plots that you can shell out cash for. These are lifetime rentals. Learn more here: https://permies.com/t/168047/permaculture-projects/Deep-roots-wheaton-labs-rent

Basic expectations or agreements for members

If you would like to visit Wheaton Labs as a casual, permaculture enthusiast, but not have to meet the work requirements, go to this link here: https://permies.com/wiki/rentals
If you would like to visit Wheaton Labs as a boot (the permaculture bootcamp) go to this link here: https://wheaton-labs.com/bootcamp/

Primary decision-making authority

  • Single Leader or Founding Couple

One person or partnership has ultimate authority.

Decision-making process

  • Leadership Decides

A single person, couple, or small group makes most major decisions.

Governance structure

  • Founder/Leader-led

Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).

Conflict resolution approach

https://wheaton-labs.com/#Frequently%20Asked%20Questions

Economic model

  • Independent Finances

Members maintain separate personal finances with minimal sharing.

Economic scenarios for this community

  • There is a one-time fee, investment, or share purchase to join the community separate from accessing housing
  • There is a labor obligation
  • Members typically need to have their own job or other personal source of income to cover their expenses while living in the community?

Additional economic information

Join fee: $100
Labor: Encouraged or suggested (40 hrs/week)
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed
As a boot in our permaculture bootcamp, you earn your room and board by working 40 hours a week. The 40 hours per week is called “project labor.” All boots are expected to chip in to do the cooking for one another and cleaning up after one another. Plus four to eight hours per week of “nest labor,” that would include shoveling snow, deep cleaning, maintenance, garden harvesting – things of short term benefit to the boots community. (Planting a garden to feed people months into the future falls into “project labor.” Harvesting from a garden to feed yourself and other boots in the next few days falls into “nest labor.”)
There are individuals who have earned their spot at ant village or are deep roots members that are not required to put in the 40 hours of labor. Learn more here: https://permies.com/wiki/bootcamp

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Outdoor Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • Approximately 1 meal per day

Significant food acquisition practices

  • Locally sourced

Community activities and engagement

  • School, Educational Institute or Experience
  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • Neighborhood, Community Housing, or Homeowner's Association
  • Ethical Business, Investment Group, or Alternative Currency
  • Organization, Resource, or Network
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies
  • Substance use is prohibited in the community

Age demographics

  • Mixed adults (few or no children)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a single individual, couple, or Family Trust

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Community type

  • Coliving

    Shared living spaces with private bedrooms/bathrooms and communal
    kitchens, dining, and social areas.

  • Ecovillage

    Integrated communities designed around ecological principles with sustainable living practices.

Community type

  • Partially built or remodeled with recycled or environmentally friendly materials, and/or using natural building methods

Sustainability approach

  • Renewable energy systems
  • Permaculture design
  • Natural / low-impact building

Land practices in our community

  • The community practices permaculture

Community type

  • Partially built or remodeled with recycled or environmentally friendly materials, and/or using natural building methods

Some or all of the buildings are...

  • Partially built or remodeled with recycled or environmentally friendly materials, and/or using natural building methods

Self-produced energy

  • 33 - 66%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Food forest
  • Greenhouse / aquaponics
  • Land area size
    220 acres

Guest Book

Written reviews are available for plus members. Click here to upgrade.

Location

  • Montana, United States

Needs and Offers

Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
3 weeks ago

2 Units Available in Forest Grove, OR - Where Town Meets Country!

Two Homes Available at Green Grove Cohousing – Forest Grove, OR Discover Green Grove Cohousing, a fun-loving, vibrant, family-friendly community that embraces environmental sustainability, social justice, community service, and the arts in the heart of Forest Grove, home to historic Pacific University. Enjoy the perfect balance of country living just minutes from town. With just nine privately owned homes on five natural acres, Green Grove offers a rare opportunity to live independently while enjoying an intentional, connected community. Shared amenities include a spacious common house with guest accommodations, gathering and entertaining space, play and art areas, a large woodworking shop, ample storage, organic vegetable and flower gardens, fruit trees, a chicken coop, a 30,000-gallon rainwater catchment system for irrigation, 14.7 kW of solar power supporting the common infrastructure, carports with living roofs and EV charging capability, and beautifully maintained grounds with buried utilities and walking paths. Homes are thoughtfully arranged around a shared village green, creating opportunities to connect with neighbors while preserving the privacy of your own home. 3926 Coho Cir | $595,000 3 Bed | 2 Bath | 1,475 SF A bright, detached two-story home featuring a main-level bedroom and full bath, bamboo floors, quartz countertops, high ceilings, abundant natural light, and beautiful Mt. Hood views. Thoughtfully designed for flexible living with modern finishes and energy-efficient comfort. MLS#: 704265931 3934 Coho Cir | $615,000 2 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,400 SF A beautifully designed single-level detached home with vaulted ceilings, stunning Mt. Hood views, radiant heated
Offer
Offer
  • Real Estate For Sale
2 months ago

“Lots” of Goodness For Sale!

Are you seeking to live in a sustainable, wellness-oriented community that prioritizes nature and environmental conservation? Living Well Ecovillage offers the perfect opportunity to be part of a vibrant, self-sufficient community committed to holistic health and ecological harmony. Available lots are equipped with city utilities and fiber internet access. Located in a unique mixed-use community with a variety of land uses planned for the future, including small business/commercial spaces, tiny houses, cluster housing, and a 10-acre farm. Currently, there are still 7 lots available. The Ecovillage is home to a diverse range of homes, such as timber frame, Deltec, hempcrete, and Net-Zero energy designs—all built with green building principles in mind. This community prioritizes sustainability and wellness in every aspect of life. About the Living Well Ecovillage Spanning 126 acres, the Living Well Ecovillage is bordered by the Deep River and Sandy Creek, offering stunning natural beauty and a tranquil environment. The Ecovillage includes shared spaces like a community garden, a Greenway/Rail Trail, and a neighborhood park. Over 53 acres of natural land buffer the river and creek, preserving the area’s pristine beauty and offering residents a true connection to nature. Your Dream Home Awaits Find your ideal spot to build your sustainable home, surrounded by trees, rock outcroppings, and abundant wild edible plants. Experience breathtaking views and a peaceful setting, perfect for those seeking a slower, more connected way of life. A Community That Supports Wellness The Living Well Ecovillage is not just about space—it’s about community. With access to the Folk School, residents engage in hands-on learning, sustainable practices, and personal growth, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. Perfectly Located Just
Offer

Information

Communities

A residential project: people live here as their primary home.

Organizations

An institution, business, network, or project that isn’t a residence (e.g. a learning center, farm, or network with no one living there full-time).

Plus Community Memberhsip

  • Find people with Profile Match
  • Access to your community listing statistics
  • Create Discussion Groups
  • 50% commission when your members purchase a Plus Membership
  • Access to our affiliate program
  • Member badge on your community profile
I am an official member of this community
Disclaimer
I affirm that my information is accurate and I am authorized to manage this listing
Foundation for Intentional Community FIC Member badge logo.

Free Plan

Free Membership
Free

Intentional Advertising

  • Subtotal

    {{ currencyFormat( pricing_summary.total_amount ) }}

Icon representing community connections and collaboration for intentional communities.

Plus Membership

  • Find communities with Profile Match
  • View detailed reviews about communities
  • Direct message and view contact information
  • Create free listings in Needs & Offers
  • Plus Member resources in CommUniversity
  • Plus Member badge on your profile