What does MELC mean to you?

Please send us your stories, memories, comments or any thing you would like to share about MELC.

March 31, 2006

Dear MELC,

I hope you're all doing fine and your families too. These days I'm often thinking of last summer's International Sustainable Skills Camp, one of the richest human experiences I've ever had! I am reading a book you recommended to us (and that I eventually could find and buy) "Permaculture in a nutshell". It's clear, short and it reminds me many things that were taught to us in Willits.

I find the principles of Permaculture very intellectually stimulating and I'm now thinking I'd love to be able to apply them, especially when I'm a bit older and able (and willing to) to live in a house in the countryside. So I really wanted to thank you all for helping me discover this whole fascinating issue and new way of life. Good luck with all your programs and projects. Give my regards and thanks to everyone at MELC...

Farhad Mobasser - (2005 ISSC program student), France

August 6, 2006

MELC,

I want to thank you guys for making my stay at MELC in California such an amazing one. Getting on that bus this spring I had no idea what to expect or what was to come. Staying at MELC changed my life! Though I can't practically continue the lifestyle I was living with everyone at MELC, I'm continually amending my lifestyle to accommodate my new found sustainable mindset. Through enthusiasm I have shed a light on Permaculture within my circle of friends, something that has been met with shared appreciation. I have compiled over 200 pictures from my time at MELC and I hope to share them with you all later. I handed over the herb spiral design to a friend of mine who was thinking of simply throwing plants in the ground, and have many fans of the on-site fertilizer duck pond waste (duckilizer) concept. I could write for pages and pages about the impact you and MELC have had on me but I'll spare you the sentiment. To actually see materialized what was once just a concept was inspiring. Since then I've got a job working at a coffee shop downtown and have already started saving money for my trip back to MELC next year. How is everything coming along? How are the ducks and the chickens? The Greywater pond, is it functional yet? How are the swales, trail and berm coming along? How are the volunteers treating you? I want to hear what's going on! I miss you all and will be there next summer. Thanks again for everything!

Matthew Cooper - (Volunteer, Intern), New Hampshire

Maria, Max, Matt, and MELC family!

It was so wonderful to meet you all! We had a wonderful time this weekend at the Natural Building course and MELC tour. I am so inspired and excited to know that MELC is so close by. As we have recently moved to the area, we are not in our dream house yet. However, the lot we are on is completely un-landscaped, and our hope here is to improve and sell this house in the next few years and hopefully have a down payment on some property in the area. Anyway, my point being, I have been looking for inspiration on how to landscape this lot to make it greener, more sustainable, and increase the value of the land. I was so inspired this weekend and I am beginning a more sustainable plan for the yard. Again, thank you all so much! I would love to set aside at least one day a week to come out and help if I can.

Blessings to you all,

Ashleigh, Greg, Willow and Rowan - Willits, California