Life at Alpha Farm Community (42 images)

Alpha Farm, located in the Coast Range, was established in 1971 by founders who made the conscious choice to shift away from social activism towards establishing a simpler lifestyle in an intentional community of like-minded individuals. A common phrase at Alpha Farm is "work is love made visible." Rural community living requires a great amount of work, but there are also moments to stop and appreciate the environmental beauty and the diverse personalities who make Alpha Farm what...
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Alpha Farm, located in the Coast Range, was established in 1971 by founders who made the conscious choice to shift away from social activism towards establishing a simpler lifestyle in an intentional community of like-minded individuals. A common phrase at Alpha Farm is "work is love made visible." Rural community living requires a great amount of work, but there are also moments to stop and appreciate the environmental beauty and the diverse personalities who make Alpha Farm what it is.

Life at Alpha farm is geared towards simplicity and minimal impact. Homes are heated with wood, food is grown in a large organic garden, and chemicals and other environmental disturbances are avoided. Unlike many communities that have closed themselves off from society, Alpha Farm has deep ties in the greater community, working often with neighbors in Deadwood and known throughout Lane County. The Alpha Bit Cafe/Bookstore, opened in 1972 in nearby Mapleton, is both a business for the farm and a way to interact with the greater community. Other community outreach and business opportunities include farmers markets, a rural postal route, and a consensus/facilitation training institute.

I came to Alpha Farm in early 2009 to stay for two weeks to document community living. That two weeks turned to a two year residency. I gained insight into community and rural living, and the development of this project continues, and expands into Deadwood and other communities in the area.
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