For 25 years, we talked about buying land and growing our own food—but it remained just talk until 2020. The pandemic pushed us out of our comfort zone and into deeper questions: Is our food secure? Are prices going to rise? Are we truly prepared? Most of all, we wondered if the next generation is learning what they need not just to survive, but to thrive with independence and self-sufficiency.
That led us to rediscover and begin preserving a way of life that is too often forgotten—a traditional Cherokee life way. For thousands of years, the Cherokee lived in harmony with the land, built strong, cooperative communities, and passed down practical knowledge from one generation to the next. They understood that our time here is brief, and that we each carry a responsibility to care for the land and teach those who come after us.
In early 2022, we took a step forward and formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit so we could raise support and offer this education freely to those who might not otherwise have access.
Please consider contributing today – your donation of any amount provides necessary funds for sharing this knowledge with generations to come.
The money generated through donations, grants, market sales, homeschool classes, craft and art classes, farmer’s market sales, prepared foods and dinners – well, all that supports the programs offered by Longhsadows Ranch.
With the money generated we:
employ people who are seeking to live this kind of life.
care for the garden, animals and grounds providing a safe, fun and engaging learning environment for students of all ages
invite our Cherokee Treasures, Mentors and Elders to teach Cherokee language, lifeways, art and culture.
feed people in the community.
provide a place for folks to gather and engage in fellowship.
serve as a sanctuary for teens who are just trying to get through life without all the complications of peer pressure and popularity contests.
are building a community center: with a teaching commercial kitchen, attached teaching greenhouse and a central meeting area for activities.
preserve and teach a very old way of life, a Cherokee way.
