By Davan 
2024 was a big year for us; the most abundant garden year in recent memory, 250 high-potential chestnut trees in the ground, 17 new residents and children, the formation of a homeschool co-op, and impressive progress on various construction projects. While there were many factors at play, there are three things which had an outsized impact:
1) The “Bloom and Build Brigade” work exchange program: A completely free way for folks to experience radically sustainable community living. This year, we hosted more than 25 volunteers for one month or more.
2) A new community garden: headed by our wonderful volunteer garden manager, the garden allowed volunteers to plug into meaningful work, learn valuable skills, and feed our community with nourishing seasonal produce.
3) A new kitchen co-op, Belly World: this co-op served volunteers, short term guests, and long time members, primarily with food from our gardens and pastures. It was the hub of a diverse and vibrant scene, as well as a crucial landing pad for folks moving to DR.
These were the foundation which made so much possible, helping Dancing Rabbit to grow and thrive at a time when establishing viable alternatives to the destructive and isolating tendencies of the wider culture feels increasingly pressing.
In Community,
Eric
