The Mendocino Ecological Learning Center (MELC) is a nonprofit educational organization and ecological reserve. The Center practices sustainable stewardship of lands, plants, animals and energy systems.
MELC was founded in 2003 by a group of organic farmers, educators, naturalists, artists, and people seeking innovative alternatives to destructive farming, housing, energy and land management practices. At the core of the Center's work lay dynamic approaches and solutions to today's privately owned and corporately run economies, ecologies and cultures. We recognize the importance of community based agriculture, land management, natural building/housing alternatives, renewable energy production and distribution. Through examples and working models in place on site and throughout the world, we offer research and training for those seeking long term solutions to many of the problems facing us today and into the future.
MELC is located in Northern California's Mendocino County in the rural town of Willits. The Center is on 31 acres of second and third growth forestlands, containing species of Oak, Fir, Pine, Redwood, Madrone and many others. The land has two creeks, two springs, tiny meadows, large rock outcroppings and a diverse ecology of plants and animals. The site has spots with good sun exposure as well as windy hill tops and seasonally fast flowing creeks, providing many opportunities for solar, wind and hydro energy production. MELC is a source of inspiration for many.
Photo of creek, MELC, Willits, California
