Oldowan Ranch Inc

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Forming
  • Ecological

Founding year

  • 2024

What we do

Oldowan Ranch: A Community Rooted in Sustainability and Personal Growth<
Oldowan Ranch is more than just a place to live; it's an intentional community nestled in the heart of Southern Illinois, where individuals come together to forge a more meaningful and sustainable way of life. Founded on principles of environmental stewardship, personal growth, and authentic connection, we welcome people from all walks of life to join our vibrant community.
Sustainable Living in Harmony with Nature
At Oldowan Ranch, we believe in treading lightly on the Earth. Our commitment to sustainability is woven into the fabric of our daily lives. We practice organic farming, cultivating a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that nourish our bodies and connect us to the land. Renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, provide clean energy for our homes and communal spaces. We embrace mindful land management practices, ensuring that we protect and preserve the natural beauty of our surroundings for generations to come.
Community as a Catalyst for Growth
We believe that true growth flourishes in the context of community. At Oldowan Ranch, we foster a spirit of collaboration and mutual support, creating a space where everyone feels accepted and valued. We gather for shared meals, engage in meaningful conversations, and celebrate the unique contributions of each individual. Through shared experiences, workshops, and opportunities for reflection, we encourage personal growth and self-discovery.
A Welcoming Space for All
Whether you're seeking recovery, a deeper connection with nature, or simply a place to belong, Oldowan Ranch offers a supportive and inclusive environment. We welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities to join our community and contribute their unique gifts to our shared journey.
More Than Just a Place to Live
Oldowan Ranch is more than just a place to live; it's a commitment to a more conscious and fulfilling way of life. It's an opportunity to connect with your authentic self, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Join Our Community
If you resonate with our values and seek a life rooted in sustainability, personal growth, and authentic connection, we invite you to explore Oldowan Ranch and discover the transformative power of intentional community living.

Our Mission

To cultivate a thriving intentional community rooted in sustainability, personal growth, and authentic connection, where individuals from all walks of life can come together to create a more fulfilling and harmonious way of life.
Community Focus:
Sustainability:Practice and promote environmentally responsible living through organic farming, renewable energy, and mindful resource management
Personal Growth: Foster self-discovery, personal development, and spiritual exploration through workshops, retreats, and shared experiences.
Community Building: Create a welcoming and inclusive space where individuals can connect with like-minded people, build meaningful relationships, and contribute to a shared vision.
Intentional Living: Embrace a simpler lifestyle that prioritizes meaningful experiences, authentic connections, and a deep respect for the Earth.
Inclusivity: Welcome people from all walks of life, regardless of background, beliefs, or abilities, fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance for all.

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Community type
  • Cohousing
  • Coliving
  • Student Co-op
  • Sustainability practices
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Activities
  • Property management
  • Farming
  • Education
  • Experiences
  • Networking
  • Services Business
  • Others

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2024
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2026
  • Started living together
  • 2 Total members
  • Open to new members
  • Not open to visitors
Total
2

Primary decision-making authority

  • Single Leader or Founding Couple

One person or partnership has ultimate authority.

Decision-making process

  • Majority Vote

More than 50% agreement needed.

Governance structure

  • Representative/Democratic

Members elect leaders who make decisions within defined roles.

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
  • Members need to pay fees, dues, or similar to live there on a per month or per year basis
  • 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: Yes
Regular fees: Yes
Labor: Yes
Members with pre-existing debt: allowed

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

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Fire pit, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Dietary restriction

  • People can cook and eat what they want in their own residence

Community activities and engagement

  • Transition Town (post-petroleum and off-grid communities.)
  • 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
  • WWOOF'ing, Guest Farming
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies

Age demographics

  • Mixed adults (few or no children)

Guest Book

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

Location

  • Illinois, United States

Oldowan Ranch Inc

Needs and Offers

Connecting people and communities through an intentional online marketplace

  • Promoted
  • Events
2 days ago

Coastal Regeneration Immersion: Permaculture Design Certification in Jalisco, Mexico

Tropical Dry Forest Permaculture Design & Regenerative Stewardship Certification (PDC)12-Day Intensive | 120 Hours | Costalegre, Jalisco, Mexico APPLY AT XOCHIRAIZ.COM Join us for an immersive Permaculture Design Certificate course set in the tropical dry forest bioregion of coastal Jalisco. This 120-hour intensive blends internationally recognized PDC curriculum with hands-on regenerative practice — combining ecological design, agroforestry, natural building, and community stewardship into one integrated learning experience. Lead Faculty Jorge Luis Gtz. Olarte (Arborescencia RedGenerativa) – Regenerative Design, Soil Biology & Agroforestry Ozzy Lusth (Survior & Xochiraíz) – Wilderness Resilience & Survival Skills Dave Collins (Capacha Coastal Conservation Center) – Bioarchitecture & Ecological Development What You’ll LearnThe course moves through six progressive phases: Permaculture & Ecological Literacy – ethics, principles, and reading the tropical dry forest landscape Water & Soil Systems – keyline design, water harvesting, living soils, and compost systems Horticulture – food garden design, propagation, and biological pest control Regenerative Food Systems – tropical agroforestry, food forest design, and guild planting Ecological Infrastructure – bamboo bioarchitecture, bioclimatic farm design, compost toilets, greywater, and rocket stoves Integrated Design Studio – team-based final design projects covering watershed strategy, agroforestry, food forest layout, infrastructure, and phased implementation Daily RhythmMornings begin with optional surf/yoga and journaling, followed by field practicums and hands-on workshops. Afternoons include design studio and construction lab work, with reflection circles, communal dinners, and evening talks, films, or campfire discussions rounding out the day. Final ProjectParticipants work in teams to produce a full regenerative design package — landscape analysis, water plan, agroforestry design, food forest plan, ecological infrastructure, and bioclimatic farm plan — presented to a faculty review panel on the final day, followed by a closing ceremony, certificate delivery, and community feast. CertificationGraduates receive the Tropical Dry Forest Permaculture Design & Regenerative Stewardship Certification (120 contact hours), hosted by Capacha Coastal Conservation Center and Tierralegre, A.C. Curriculum integrates international PDC standards with tropical ecology, agroforestry, ecological restoration, bamboo bioarchitecture, bioclimatic design, GIS/photogrammetry, and regenerative leadership. Highlights Hands-on bamboo construction (temazcal, bathhouses, sculpture) Tropical dry forest silviculture practicum Community mapping and design project for Ekoa Green Community Talent show and sea turtle release
January 10, 2027 00:00 – January 24, 2027 23:59
  • Promoted
Offer
  • Promoted
Offer
  • Promoted
Offer
  • Professional Services
3 months ago

Community Matchmaking: Get Help Finding Your Community

Would you like to join an intentional community but don’t know how? Feel overwhelmed by the number of communities out there? Not sure if there is one that’s a fit for you? CommunityFinders is here to support you on your path to community living. You can find your community by: Taking the free Community Types Quiz to learn which of the most common types of community is a fit for you. Booking a 1:1 consultation with a Community Matchmaker to receive recommendations for communities that are a fit for you. Joining the Money and Community Mini-Course to find out which communities are within your budget. Reading the book Intentional Community to help you understand your options and decide whether community living is right for you. Our goal is to help community seekers become community finders — people with confidence that their community match is out there and they will find it. Looking forward to working with you to find your community! Please be in touch, Cynthia Tina Founder communityfinders.com What communitarians are saying: “Cynthia helped me clarify the intentional communities that fit me, better get to know them, and finally choose one that I’m now a member of. I have no doubt anyone on a community journey will find great value in her guidance.” – Alan Stillman “Out of potentially thousands of communities, Cynthia matched me with very similar values revealed on their websites. I am in the process of applying to visit the number one recommendation. I’m excited and thankful for Cynthia‘s skills. Beyond well worth.” – Tommy Teeple “Due to her extensive community experience, she could offer many insights, provide useful tips and present selected communities to me that she had visited herself.” – Antonia Von Hassell
Need
  • Forming Communities
3 weeks ago

Forest Community Starting

Description: Willits, CA, Pacific Northwest rainforest system. Forest Haven is seeking forest lovers who value solitude. We have several areas in the main compound and a few tucked away in private. Space is designed for your RV / Tiny Home / +++. We will add power and water for each new Steward’s space. Land: 40 acres(17 hectares), 3ac for humans. Year-round creek at base of parcel. Heavy trees, 40 meter-ish high. Conifer mix. With a large south-facing common garden.   New forest stewards have agreed to prioritize tree health. This means each person here will have a say in whether we cut any single tree. We never cut for wood or sale.  Stewards agree to walk the forest daily as our one required 20-minute group activity.    Limit the number of dwellings to 3-5 Total. There are 8 common buildings, with 3 having flush toilets and one with a hot shower, washer and dryer. We are 100% off-grid.  We have a natural spring and solar. The full-size common kitchen is large enough to process the garden harvest and more. Remote workers and retirees’ welcome. Full online and cell service available.    Forest Haven is currently a private forest reserve.   If 2 households sign on, it will become a 501(c)(3). Each person’s “donation/rent” will be tax-deductible. This is a private forest reserve going public as a nonprofit.    Please inquire if you want to help in a small way using basic permaculture methods to improve our forest’s health, message me to learn more.

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