Conscious Growth Convergence 2025 + Fall Community Experience week
Dear Friends,
It's been a long, dry, and busy Summer at Lost Valley, and many exciting advancements have been made on the land, in relationship, and as a community (more details coming soon). In this newsletter, we are sharing key updates for some of our last major events and courses of the year, the Conscious Growth Convergence and Community Experience Week. But first, an update and blessing from the land!
The rain has graced us once again as the cool breath of Autumn ushers in the time of harvest, celebration, and reflection. The Earth sings her praises of relief through the chorus of frogs and chirping insects as the oaks and maples adorn themselves with cloaks and crowns of orange, yellow, and gold. The dried up creek is starting to show signs of life again, wild turkeys and deer meander through the orchards and gardens, and migrating birds call out overhead on their long journey home.
May this time of transition find you well resourced in both your inner and outer worlds, that the fields of your dreams and the labor of your love bring forth ripe fruits and abundant harvests this season!
Dear Friends,
It's been a long, dry, and busy Summer at Lost Valley, and many exciting advancements have been made on the land, in relationship, and as a community (more details coming soon). In this newsletter, we are sharing key updates for some of our last major events and courses of the year, the Conscious Growth Convergence and Community Experience Week. But first, an update and blessing from the land!
The rain has graced us once again as the cool breath of Autumn ushers in the time of harvest, celebration, and reflection. The Earth sings her praises of relief through the chorus of frogs and chirping insects as the oaks and maples adorn themselves with cloaks and crowns of orange, yellow, and gold. The dried up creek is starting to show signs of life again, wild turkeys and deer meander through the orchards and gardens, and migrating birds call out overhead on their long journey home.
May this time of transition find you well resourced in both your inner and outer worlds, that the fields of your dreams and the labor of your love bring forth ripe fruits and abundant harvests this season!
Conscious growth convergence 2025: lineup & workshops
Community Experience Week isn’t just about learning skills—it’s about living them.
From the garden to the governance circle, you’ll practice the tools and mindsets that make community work. By the end, you’ll leave not only inspired but also equipped to strengthen the communities you care about.
Here are some lessons and instructors to look forward to for this season's Community Experience Week at Lost Valley!
🌱 Permaculture with Brian Byers
Brian is a seasoned permaculture designer, educator, and activist with over a decade of hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture and forestry here in the Willamette Valley. As the lead instructor for Lost Valley’s Permaculture Design Course since 2016, Brian brings a holistic, systems-based approach to building resilience, both in landscapes and in communities. In his sessions, you’ll explore permaculture as a framework for shared values and practical design, and see how it can guide your own community vision.
⚖️ Sociocracy & Governance with Kendall Runyan
Kendall’s passion lies in creating governance systems that are effective, transparent, and equitable. As Lost Valley’s Business Administrator and a certified Sociocratic Facilitator, she’ll introduce you to dynamic governance, how consent-based decision-making and circle structures can help groups work together smoothly while valuing every voice. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can apply in any group, from intentional communities to volunteer collectives.
💬 Nonviolent Communication with Taiyo King
Taiyo serves on Lost Valley’s Community Council, our conflict resolution circle, and has taught NVC in our community. Living here with his wife and two children for nearly three years, he knows firsthand how important compassionate communication is in daily life. In his workshop, you’ll learn to navigate conflict in ways that foster understanding, connection, and shared solutions; essential skills for any group setting.
🌿 Herbalism Workshop with Sage & Kaylee
Sage and Kaylee bring a rich blend of local roots, global learning, and deep relationship with plants. Sage’s path weaves together herbalism and birthwork, honoring the cycles of life with gratitude and service. Kaylee’s journey spans food security, shamanic medicine studies in Central and South America, and holistic healing through herbalism, yoga, and women’s circles. Together, they’ll guide you in exploring plants as allies, for health, connection, and reciprocity with the land.
🌊 Bioregionalism with Andra Vltavin
Andra, a coordinator for Regenerate Cascadia’s Design School for Regenerating Earth, will invite you to see your place in the web of life through a bioregional lens. You’ll explore how upstream and downstream communities are interconnected, and how collaboration across watersheds can replace isolation with shared stewardship.
Stay tuned for reports on the Summer Permaculture Design Course, Willamette Valley Listening Tour, upcoming Community Resilience Workshops, and other opportunities to plug in this Fall!
