Purpose

The eternal human question; why am I here? As humans we think, ponder, and question existence. Nature, simply is… existence. Yet as people we struggle with the notion of simply being, and seek to find reasons for our efforts. This represents our best efforts at answering that question; why is earthtouch here?

Mission Statement

To preserve land for future generations and promote healthy interactions between people and the natural world

Guiding Principles

• Model sustainable & creative interaction between people and land
• Promote personal growth and well-being of all who interact with earthtouch
• Demonstrate basic respect for Ecosystems in all of our actions
• Use sustainable organizational and ecologically coherent practices in all of our actions to guarantee the earthtouch legacy
• Build mutually beneficial alliances with like-minded organizations that support our mission and theirs
• Model transparency and open communications among ourselves and all of our constituent communities
• Act in a manner that is financially responsible and respects the time and energy of all involved.

Impact/Outcomes

• Preserve additional land to meet goal of 1,000 acres by 2012
• Partner with complementary organizations to provide programming on our property that uses natural experiences to promote a deep personal connection with the earth. This programming will be designed to support personal heath, create ecological awareness, promote global health to create a more sustainable world
• Promote health and sustainability of partner organizations
• Identify and partner with ecologically oriented organizations that will identify native species and develop a land management plan to promote long term health of the property and its inhabitants
• Transition current business practices to more long term sustainable practices
• Expand our connections with positive impact on Vinton County community
• Expand our connections and impact beyond the immediate stakeholders to a broader community
• Support education about ecological consciousness and emerging models on sustainability and green energy
• Provide a range of opportunities for people to experience the natural world
• Include as part of teaching model providing experiences that offer transparency to the processes associated with sustainable living where possible

If you feel aligned with our mission, and are so inclined learn how you can help. We encourage you to ask us if you have further questions about our purpose. More importantly, we encourage you to follow the advice of John Moffit;

To look at anything,
If you would know that thing,
You must look at it long:

To look at this green and say,
"I have seen spring in these Woods,”
Will not do – you must be the thing you see:

You must be the dark snakes of stems
And ferny plumes of leaves,
You must enter into the small silences
BetweenThe Leaves,
You must take your time
And touch the very peace
They issue from.

- John Moffit