Wildlight Refuge

  • Communities

About the Communities

  • Forming
  • Ecological
  • Rural

Founding year

  • 2024

What we do

Wildlight Refuge is an idea I’ve had for the last 12 years. The basis of it, is to start a multidisciplinary, non-denominational sangha, or satsang. Seekers from any and all religions, traditions and faith systems who are focused on pursuing the light together, are all welcome here.
Wildlight Refuge is situated on 143 acres of land, with a natural spring on-site and a little over half a mile of riverfront access to the Spoon River. 33 acres of the property is rented farmland. around 60 acres is Wetland Conservation area, which can be explored freely. the remainder of the property is old-growth, relatively unkempt timber woodlands that is home to an astonishing number of species of flora and fauna. There are some tree stands still posted up in some places that have been abandoned by past hunters. They make great spots to sit, relax, meditate or observe and enjoy nature.
I’m working on having the community be self-sustainable, so that all necessities and even some luxuries can be developed and incorporated into the community with resources found nearby or on-site. I have a large garden that can feed a good handful of people, as well as produce some income to help pay for property expenses. There are many, many resources on-site that may be utilized by members of the community to craft goods to sell at local markets, or online.
I’m still working on getting some facilities up and running for a restroom/shower outbuilding, a small cafe area for gathering and cooking and a place to do laundry.

Our Mission

The community focus is spiritual practice. We all work together to maintain a self-sustainable community that will offer us all the time and space needed for spiritual development.

  • Purpose
  • Ecological
  • Community type
  • Ecovillage
  • Commune
  • Spiritual Retreat Centers
  • Activities
  • Farming
  • Education
  • Experiences
  • Networking

Commemorative dates

  • January 1, 2024
  • Started planning
  • January 1, 2025
  • Started living together
  • 1 Total member
  • Open to new members
  • Open to visitors
Total
1

How to join

Send me a message and we’ll talk for a little bit about things.

Basic expectations or agreements for members

Please just reach out and we can talk.

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

It’s only me living out here right at the moment. As the community grows, this may change.

Economic model

  • Partial Income-Sharing

Members contribute a percentage of income to community funds.

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

Additional economic information

Join fee: $150
Regular fees: $150
Labor: Yes (20 hrs/week)
I’m seeking individuals who are aligned with the vision of the community. The initial contribution helps keep things afloat. The recurring monthly fees only kick in if an individual didn’t meet their weekly labor requirements. If an individual has put in their 20 hours for the week, the monthly contribution drops by 25%. Work hours can be made up in following weeks, but should never overlap into the next month.
If things are going well for an individual for a little while, we can discuss long-term residency.

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

Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Outdoor Kitchen, Fire pit, Waterfront access

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Significant food acquisition practices

  • Locally sourced

Community activities and engagement

  • School, Educational Institute or Experience
  • Volunteer, Internship, or Apprenticeship, or WWOOF’ing
  • Organization, Resource, or Network
  • WWOOF'ing, Guest Farming
  • Festivals, Conferences, Events

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies

Gender composition

  • Majority cis (over 60%)

Age demographics

  • Mixed adults (few or no children)

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

  • By a Community Land Trust or some other kind of nonprofit

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Self-produced energy

  • Over 66%

Energy sources used

  • Photovoltaic Solar

Self-produced food

  • 33 - 66%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • Up to 33%

Food systems

  • Community garden
  • Greenhouse / aquaponics
  • Livestock / poultry
  • Land area size
    143 acres

Guest Book

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Location

  • Illinois, United States

Promoted Needs and Offers

Offer
  • Communities with Openings
7 months ago

Worktrade Opportunities on Big Island Hawaii

We are continuing our work-trade program at Bridge Hawaii for the right people on this beautiful 86-acre land located along the Hāmākua Coast. Ideally, we want to host those individuals who can help with the garden and who can support with build projects for up to a 3 month stay. This work-trade would include lodging, food staples, community kitchen, running hot water showers, off-grid electricity, and laundry. There is access to high speed wi-fi. We often have a car that can be reserved. We also have full bar signal strength with Verizon cellphone service. We have about 2 acres of permaculture garden that needs to be cared for including; weeding, planting, picking up mulch, some tree trimming, ect. We are currently in a building stage on the land. We have a few current grant projects we are working on and some build projects that are underway. We are an intentional community with about 8 permanent residents. There are rescue dairy cows, mini cows, mini donkeys, horses, a donkey, cats, dogs, and active bee hives. We are a drug and alcohol “free” space. A glass of wine or beer with dinner is fine, but absolutely no day drinking or parties. We have a meditation temple and many waterfall pools that are wonderful for swimming. Close to some of the nicest beaches on island. We have snorkeling gear and a kayak. Since this is an animal sanctuary, we limit the consumption of meat on the land. Fish, eggs, honey, and dairy are fine. Let me know if you’re interested by sending an email or text for our application. Maomi (801) 623-0738 ma***@*****************ii.com

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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).

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