Acorn Community

So we've been settled here at the Acorn Community in Louisa County, VA, since Monday. At its core a commune of about 20 souls, it's been quite an interesting and enlightening experience so far. In a nutshell (an acorn shell?), this is how it works. People who decide to live here give up everything they own to the community, and in return, the community provides a job, small stipend, housing, food, medical expenses, transportation, family, and basically takes care of your every need. Every member is expected to work 42 hours per week, but most end up working more because things just have to get done. Acorn's main source of income is running the Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, which specializes in open-pollinated heirloom seeds. For a comprehensive explanation of open pollination and its importance in sustainable agriculture, read this.

This place is quite beautiful. There are many different garden plots scattered all over the property, since space is needed between crops in order for pollination to occur properly. It's also really cool to see plants let go to seed, and to enjoy the flowers, scents, and insects that come with that. Pictures will follow soon.

There is much to occupy our time here; we're definitely getting in our 42 hours per week. We've weeded a lot, harvested veggies (for food and for seed), processed veggies (for food and for seed), ran errands, and cleaned up garlic bulbs to get them ready for shipping out. Tomorrow Christy's trying her hand at cooking lunch for 20+ people, after an early rise to transplant strawberry seedlings. We're really excited about all there is to be learned here, and the variety of knowledge Acornians have.