We call East Lake Commons an "ecovillage" to emphasize our dual commitment to human community and environmental responsibility.

First, the community has been designed to balance the residents' need for privacy with their desire to really get to know and care about one another in a diverse social environment. This is accomplished using the "cohousing" strategy for healthy, enhanced community life. Neighborhoods designed in this manner resemble pedestrian-oriented rural villages that are known for their human scale, character and charm.

Second, ELC strives for ecological sustainability, defined by architect Sim Van Der Ryn as "Sustainability = Conservation + Regeneration+ Stewardship."

Conservation is frugality. Using the least amount of fossil fuels, municipal water and waste treatment in the building and daily operations of the community is our goal. We believe that the abundant, inexpensive, renewable resources such as solar energy and purified rain/well water will allow us to live comfortably and responsibly on the land.

Regeneration is healing. The ELC community will actively restore the property's depleted soils using extensive composting and organic farming. We will clean polluted streams and install wetland systems to purify dirty storm water that enters the site from surrounding areas.

Stewardship is responsibility. We will take responsibility for the production of as much food, energy, water, home-based businesses and community-based recreation as possible. In addition, we will take responsibility for the treatment of waste materials and water to the maximum extent possible.

We realize some of these systems will not be possible in the initial development phase, but we will incorporate the ability to install them as funding becomes available and/or building codes are modified to accept these small scale, high-tech systems.

Educational Outreach Opportunities

EcoVillage brings a unique educational perspective back to the city. Farms and wildlife areas have for the most part been pushed far beyond the daily reach of city dwellers. EcoVillage provides a living model within walking and bicycling distance -- a place to relax, learn and reconnect with nature.

On site learning opportunities will be offered for inner city children, teens, adults and neighboring school programs. These may range from school field trips to informal weekend workshops and ongoing classes. They will utilize the farm and natural spaces for hands-on activities as well as classroom facilities in the common house.

Activities will include community harvest festivals, biology class field trips, neighborhood 4H clubs and outdoor recreation. Workshops and apprenticeships will be held on organic gardening, pond management, composting, rebuilding soils, community building strategies and skills, and broader environmental planning seminars on EcoVillage land planning strategies.