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.
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.