Connecting people to Place, Nature, Spirit and to each other
through discovery in the Fine and Healing Arts,
and the study of Ecology and Natural History.
As a non-profit tax-exempt public-benefit organization, Birch Creek Arts & Ecology Center (BCAEC) carries forward a decades-old tradition by offering a wilderness-based education and cultural center for the study of natural history, spirituality, ecology, fine and healing arts, environmental ethics, organic gardening, and intentional community. BCAEC is hosted by historic Trillium Farm, where in 1948 Grandma's Trout Farm established a trout hatchery, campground, and instruction in fly fishing on the Little Applegate River and the ponds of Birch Creek.
BCAEC houses a local community conservation organization (TELAV: Threatened & Endangered Little Applegate Valley) that focuses on the preservation and restoration of the unique ecological values of the area through identifying and countering threats to wildlands, forests, and streams.
With our hosts, the community at Trillium Farm, BCAEC functions as an eco-village style Intentional Community – developing and employing sustainable living methods and sharing them with the greater community through events and programs hosted at our center. We also function as a retreat center, offering retreat and rustic conference facilities, workshops, and cabins for personal or group retreats.
Birch Creek Arts & Ecology Center
PO Box 1330
Jacksonville, OR 97530541-899-1696
trillium@deepwild.org
Please write "Birch Creek Inquiry" in subject line of e-mail!Recent Updates:
November 30, 2014
"When you stay for awhile in the beautiful Birch Creek canyon at historic Trillium Farm, small things begin to occur, changing us from within. A special peace and tranquility emanates from this remote canyon where the medicine of wild Nature holds strong and pure. The Land is alive with organic bounty for the tables, as well as a feast of flowers, both cultivated and wild, from spring through autumn. The constant song of the river varies as the rains fall or snows melt in the high country. Birds and wildlife are abundant. Birch Creek Arts & Ecology Center provides a perfect year-round get-away for naturalists, artists, herbalists, birders, writers, families, classes, honeymooners, group or personal retreats, or anyone seeking quietude and connection in an unforgettable natural setting."
~ your hosts, Chant and Susanna Thomas
Chant Thomas
Chant has developed a deep sense of place at Trillium over five decades, becoming intimately familiar with the area's biodiversity and complex natural systems. He holds a M.S. in Environmental Education from the Department of Biology, Southern Oregon University, and a B.S. in Earth Science (minor in Theatre)
from University of California, Santa Cruz. Chant's background as an educator ranges from teaching a multi-grade class in a remote one room schoolhouse to designing and teaching forestry, biology, and geography courses at Southern Oregon University.
A long-time wilderness outfitter and environmental activist, Chant has worked in geology with the U.S. Geological Survey, in wildlife and engineering with the U.S. Forest Service, and as a contract forester, wildlife
biologist and botanist for several National Forests and the BLM. Chant has operated Dakubetede Environmental Education Programs since 1992, offering the university accredited DEEP Ecostery residential intensive at Trillium since 1997.Susanna Bahaar Thomas
Susanna Bahaar Thomas is an artist who has traveled extensively and studied art and culture while living in Mexico, Venice, and close to Nature in the mountains and remote Caribbean islands. With a background in painting, ceramics, psychology, and spiritual studies, Susanna coordinates our garden internship program, and works with Ecostery participants in community studies, perceptual arts and writing, ecopsychology, and the spiritual dimensions of wilderness. As a teacher, Susanna is committed to facilitating her students to experience their creative potentials in deep and meaningful ways. She is also a Sufi Cheroga and is the facilitator of the annual Trillium Women's Gathering and Vision Quest. Her BFA is from Alfred University/College of Ceramics and her Masters of Education is from Southern Oregon University. Susanna taught high school ceramics and Spanish in Southern Oregon public schools for 20 years.Birch Creek Arts & Ecology Center and Trillium Farm Interns
Thank you to all those that have blessed Trillium Farm with your hard work and service! It is the endless love and dedication of the interns and volunteers that help to make it possible for BCAEC and Trillium Farm to offer so many services. There are just simply too many to list here!
Birch Creek Arts & Ecology Center is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit Oregon corporation.
Programs and Events About BCAEC Art Residency Facilities Rental Internships
