Service and Stewardship
The Golden Rule Association works towards supporting communal life while also extending our reach to the surrounding land and communities. We do this through generously sharing our many resources whenever possible. In addition to partnering with like-minded organizations to support their work, we give directly in the following ways:
Our farming operations have so much to teach us and we open these spaces to local schools or workshops many times per year. Farmers and ranchers will give tours and classes to local children and adults to help share the skills and knowledge that are concentrated here.
School Visits and Education
Our very own fire department responds to wildland fires, structure fires, traffic collisions and medical calls with highly trained volunteers and specialized equipment 24/7/365. We work with Little Lake Fire Protection District to supplement our training and have developed mutual aid agreements with the Little Lake Valley and Brooktrails.
Ridgewood Ranch Fire Department
Ridgewood Ranch has worked with the Mendocino Land Trust for decades to help conserve ecologically significant parts of the 5,000 acre ranch such as old growth redwood forest, oak woodlands, and vernal pools. Guided hikes make these special parts of the land accessible to the public, and they will be conserved in perpetuity from development.
Conservation Easements
The Golden Rule Gardens serves many communities: our members’ dining hall, the greater community of eaters, and local food banks and other non profits serving underserved populations. We donate thousands of pounds of produce, typically around $10,000/year, to Caring Kitchen, Food Banks, and more.
Golden Rule Gardens Produce Donations
Every year we support our event spaces to be used for reduced or waived fees for fundraisers. These fundraisers are then able to put a higher percentage of the income generated towards the programs they are running such as the Seabiscuit Therapeutic Riding Program, Good Farm Fund, Redwood Community Services, and more. our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.