The Great Turning

Betty lives with family and friends on Spirit Pine Sanctuary, a family land trust and ag. preserve tucked in the Los Padres National Forrest.  This 160 acre inholding has been the center of activity begining in  2001 when Betty took a 6 day cob building course at Cob Cottage Company.  Since then, there have been 5 cob structures erected, several out buildings constructed of natural/recycled materials, composting toilets, grey water systems evolving and gardens growing.  In 2007 a 1,100 gallon ferro-cement  water tank was constructed, which is fed by a "ram pump" from a fresh water spring 3/4 of a mile away, supplying the little village with it's water needs. 

Betty has been teaching with Ianto Evans since 2002 in both Oregon and California as well as teaching workshops with other hosts.  She has been involved in 17 earthen structures.  She also completed Geoff Lawton's Permaculture Certification course in 2008.  Her passion is natural finishes, floors and fresco, small buildings and earthen ovens.  Most of all, she is a mom and a wife!

Spirit Pine Sanctuary is currently finishing their passive-solar hot water system for the bath house, and the grey water system for the cook shack.  In March, the much needed barn, constructed of reclaimed pallets will be constructed.  Please contact us to find out about other classes this year, including cob, ferro cement, composting toilets and more!