Lost Valley Educational Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit located in Dexter, Oregon, 20 minutes east of Eugene. We take a holistic approach to sustainability education, engaging students in ecological, social, and personal growth. Lost Valley is also a community land trust and intentional community that provides affordable housing and access to land for ecological living and rural community development. The community uses a system of governance that is inspired by Sociocracy, and seeks to build a culture of inclusion, equity, non-violent communication, and authentic expression, while achieving the mission of the non-profit. The community is comprised of resident staff, other renters, and volunteers. Since 1989, Lost Valley has been a place for experiential learning through participation in community development, formalized educational programs, and volunteer opportunities.

Our programs have included: Permaculture Design Course Certificate, Holistic Sustainability Semester, Social Forestry Camp, farmers markets, natural building courses, festivals, benefits, meditation retreats, seminars, and concerts.  We are a unique retreat and conference facility offering 2 dormitories, multiple kitchens, sacred space indoor and out, and Nature Center with labeled trails. Many of our events have an educational focus.

LVEC uses a permaculture approach of ecological design and restoration to steward our beautiful 87 acres of Oak Savanna, woodlands, and mixed conifer forest ecosystems. This sacred land is home to a camas meadow, meandering creek, streams, ponds, orchards, and permaculture gardens that are collectively stewarded by staff, residents, interns, and volunteers, as guided by our Land Stewardship Plan. LVEC inherited much of the existing infrastructure and seeks to make slow changes to the land with the goal of water, food, and planetary sustainability.  

Our Vision and Mission

Vision: Lost Valley is a learning center that seeks to educate youth and adults in the practical application of sustainable living skills. We take a holistic approach to sustainability education, engaging students in ecological, social, and personal growth.

Our mission reflects the holistic nature of our vision, and our offerings come from the intersection and dynamic relationships between the following three focus areas:

• Educate the general public in the practical application of sustainable living skills ~ including, but not limited to, personal growth skills such as maintaining health of body and mind, social skills such as communication and governance, and ecological skills such as farming, land stewardship and ecological forestry. 

• Serve as a regional and national model in land stewardship, sustainable living, and community development by providing information, resources and expertise. 

• Provide affordable housing and access to land for low-income people to use for ecological living, sustainable agriculture and forestry, cottage industries and co-operatives.
  
  Meadowsong Ecovillage - We are an intentional community that provides affordable housing, access to land, and facilities for community development. We are an intentional community of educators, entrepreneurs, and cultural evolutionaries, committed to creating a life together in a sustainable way.