Is it Spring Already?

Quail SpringsCommunity, The Land 1 Comment

Aside from a bit of snow on Sunday night (yay, moisture!), it feels like spring has arrived at Quail Springs already. The birds are singing and nesting, the frogs and red-winged blackbirds are active in and around the pond. Lizards are out soaking up the sun, and so are we!Are you interested in joining us (and the lizards) out here …

Winter Wool

Quail SpringsAncestral Skills, How-To 1 Comment

Here at Quail Springs the season is changing. It’s becoming colder and wetter by the week, and as the weather shifts, so do we. We get to go inwards – literally and figuratively. We light up the woodstoves in our spaces and hunker down with our favorite crafts. So, keeping this sweet wintry image in mind, picture this: I walk …

Student Spotlight: Daiva

Quail SpringsCommunity, Natural Building 1 Comment

(above: Daiva and her mom, Sylvia) Daiva came to Quail Springs in 2017 for a natural building internship, where she learned how to combine straw, sand, and clay to create earthen homes that are beautiful, affordable, and made of locally-sourced materials. Since then Daiva has built earthen homes in Mexico, Bolivia and California, and has taught earthen building in Oaxaca.Q: …

Quail Springs Natural Building Update

Quail SpringsCommunity, Natural Building, The Land Leave a Comment

Written by John Orcutt Greetings, and thanks to all of you who joined us at Quail Springs this fall to help us move forward on a few natural building projects.  We accomplished so much!  We have just posted a new job opportunity at Quail Springs for a Hosting and Volunteer Director.  This individual will be creating and inviting you all …

I Live in a Mud House

Quail SpringsCommunity, Natural Building 9 Comments

Written by Juna Muller I live in a mud house. Technically, it’s a mixture of clay, sand, and straw (also known as cob). And although it’s mud, I can say that it’s the most beautiful house I’ve ever lived in!  People around the world have been building with clay, sand, straw and other natural materials for at least the past …

Help Legalize Earthen Building

Quail SpringsCommunity, Natural Building 6 Comments

We believe in climate-resilient and dignified housing for all. This year, Quail Springs is playing a key role in the movement to make earthen building legal and accessible to everyone. We’ve already taken the first steps to establish our site as a fully permitted world-class demonstration center, featuring legal, fire-safe, low-carbon-footprint earthen buildings. Now is a critical time to help …

Passing the Torch: Meet the New Leadership at Quail Springs

Quail SpringsCommunity Leave a Comment

Written by Kolmi Majumdar Greetings this Autumn! I’m excited to introduce you to Quail Springs’ new Co-Executive Directors, Sarah and Daniel, along with our new Development & Operations Director Steven! (UPDATE: Steven is no longer on the Quail Springs team) They will be joining the long-term staff and the Board of Directors in stewarding Quail Springs through this pivotal time, …

Earthquake Testing With Cal Poly

Quail SpringsCommunity, Natural Building 17 Comments

We are excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Cal Poly SLO to do earthquake testing on cob walls! Many things have fallen into place to make the project happen, including a woman who is doing her thesis on this project, and Cal Poly’s generous offer to support this public benefit project with deeply discounted access to earthquake testing equipment …

Phase I of Capital Campaign Complete!

Quail SpringsCommunity, The Land 2 Comments

We are grateful to share some good news. Phase I of the Quail Springs Capital Campaign to buy the land is complete. The enormity of this collective action cannot be overstated, and we extend infinite gratitude to all of you who contributed and helped us raise the money to buy these precious 450-acres.  We are humbled by …