Our roots
What does it mean to be an Ecotopian?
Inspired by the novel Ecotopia, written in the 70s by Central Pennsylvania born author Ernest Callenbach. An Ecotopian (Ecological Utopian) is a member of a subcultural community in a borough or city that makes a great effort to take a holistic approach to all facets of day to day life. Like choosing to commute by bike rather than car, choosing to support local shops and farmers markets over chain stores, choosing more sustainable technologies, choosing to drink from spring water and protect waterways from pollution, choosing cooperation and sharing over competition and materialism.
These ideals and ethics are fostered by Ecotopians' reciprocal relationship with the land. Sowing the seeds of regenerative EarthCare stewardship reaps the rewards of celebrating the seasons in abundance: autumn PawPaw festivals, winter maple water harvests, the spring and summer return of thousands of hummingbirds and monarchs.
Being an Ecotopian assures us that we as humans have a role in the ecosystem after all. It feels good to belong.
Who we are
Meet the team
The designers, herbalists, growers, and stewards who tend this work across the neighborhoods of the Altoona area.
Jordan Sesame Wild
Founder, Manager, Ecological Landscape Designer, Permaculturist, Project Scout, and President of WildOnes Nonprofit.
Jenna Rose Wild
Cofounder, Herbalist, Medicine Woman and Guide, Nursery Caretaker, Ecological Landscape Designer, and a Holistic Birth and Postpartum Doula.
Kat Weakland
Community Food Systems Consultant, Botanical Weaver, and down-to-earth Garden Mentor.
Samuel Mohnkern
Landscape Designer, Ecosystem Steward, Arborist, and Invasive Plant Remover. Contracting through his neighboring business Restoration LandCare.
Joshua Ritchey
Lead Landscape and Garden Tender.
Jordan Sneed
Pawpaw Seedling Grower and Ecological Landscaper for his nearby neighborhoods of Juniata, Juniata Gap, Wehnwood, and Fairview.
Tricia Lynn
Ecological Landscaper for her neighborhoods of East End, Greenwood, Little Italy, Downtown, Centre City, Dutch Hill, 6th Ward, AASD School District, and Columbia Park.
John Peacefire
Ecological Landscaper for his nearby neighborhoods of Lakemont, Frankstown, and Garden Heights.
Brendan
Ecological Landscaper for his nearby neighborhoods of Llyswen, Mansion Park, Knickerbocker, and Highland Park.
Emily Evey
Program Coordinator.
Russ Replogle
Tractor and Mower service for Lawn to Meadow and Food Forest Conversion.
On this land
Rooted in place
Based in the Altoona area of Pennsylvania, living on Susquehannock and Iroquois tribal land. Serving native plant ecosystems at the southwestern headwaters of the Susquehanna Watershed, among the ridges and valleys of the southern Allegheny Mountains.
Affiliated with WildOnes. Join the PA Ridge and Valley chapter to support this work.