When electricity was first made available in the Cuyama Valley in the first half of last century, pumps began extracting the seemingly abundant groundwater in this otherwise dry high desert environment. All the formal hydrologic reports that have been researched and published on the basin suggest the imbalance was apparent within a decade. Groundwater extraction has increased
We hope that this post finds you well today. We’re thinking of our extended community out there, sheltering in place in so many different ways. We’ve been enjoying hearing your stories of how you’re spending your days, and look forward to more. Thankfully, all of us on the land at Quail Springs are healthy and well at this time. As an …
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 …
(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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
