Welcome

We welcome you to our retreat facilities. We wish to respect your time alone with yourself or in the company of your group and with all of creation. We share our structures with you out of a commitment to maintain, strengthen and express our essential connection with the sacredness of Earth. While you are with us, momentarily release the lifestyle at home and adopt the natural rhythm of Narrow Ridge. By living simply, we strengthen our relationship with the living part of life. During your stay, note the balance needed to live in harmony with Earth. In order for you to settle in and live comfortably, we have provided the following information describing the unique functions of our sustainable dwellings.

1. The composting toilets are designed to convert human waste into sanitary, odorless compost. In the process of composting, any pathogens in the waste material are rendered harmless. After each use simply add one full cup of peat moss to the toilet.
2. Our source of electrical energy is the Sun.
   1. The building design incorporates passive solar technology.
   2. The lights are operated from DC current which is wired through the buildings. The photovoltaic panels located near the buildings collect solar energy directly, convert it to electricity, and send it to the storage batteries which are located outside the buildings. This storage allows us to use the sun's energy even during hours of darkness.
3. By sorting your waste products, you may realize how much landfill material you use or don't use.
   1. Compost material (no meat or animal products please) may be placed in one container.
   2. Recyclable materials (clean tin, glass, aluminum, plastic and mixed paper) may be placed in the appropriate container.
   3. All other waste items for the dump may be placed in the waste basket. Hopefully this amount is small.
4. We suggest you remove your shoes and wear slippers or double socks while indoors to keep the buildings clean and easy to maintain.
5. What not to bring: pets, drugs, weapons, bad attitudes, antibacterial soaps and other non-biodegradable products.
6. Smoking is not allowed in the buildings.
7. Poison ivy is abundant in certain locations and there are poisonous snakes and insects on the land. Please come prepared if you are highly allergic.

"You can feel alienated, but ...
Alienation is a cosmological impossibility!"
                                      -- Thomas Berry

Retreat Information . . .