Local: The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano, California

I’m excited to start a series of local places we adore here in our nook of southern California. Traveling is wonderful, but sometimes just being where you are is magical too. For anyone who lives locally, or is planning a visit, I hope these highlights inspire you to give our favorite places a visit.

We are beginning today with a spot south of us in San Juan Capistrano that we visit often, The Ecology Center. It is a place you want to be to simply walk around and get grounded with nature, then of course to stop in and pick up gorgeous produce and bulk items as well.

Let’s dive into this incredible compound below, accompanied by photos Scott took while I was shopping one day. We will have to upload some more come summertime so you can see it in full bloom, but how beautiful it is even in wintertime.

x Jessie

The Farm Stand

Pictured above is the farm stand which sits on the same property as the farm, outdoor kitchen, workshop area, and beautiful old home used as an office and part-time shop for local makers. The stand is filled with seasonal produce grown at the Ecology Center’s farm as well as neighboring farms no more than 250 miles away. All produce is either organic or pesticide free and they added a new bulk section recently!

The bulk section contains whichever dried grains and beans they have coming in from local growers, as well as household goods to fill, and refill, in glass jars, alongside olive oil, honey, salts, and I spotted chia seeds there the other day too. We love their soap blocks (you slice your own!) and appreciate them carrying reusable cotton produce shopping bags for purchase as well.

There are lots of other thoughtful kitchen items, books, cookbooks, tools for gardening, and a children’s section I’m always tempted to pick up things from for myself. It is one of the mostly thoughtfully curated spaces I’ve been to and you can feel the intention and love when you are here.

Around The Farm

The Ecology Center’s farm and expanding property is a slice of heaven to explore. They have paths around areas where they plant trees, keep chickens, plant a diverse array of edible plants, turn their compost, have garden beds, teach children about nature and farming (the program is called “Eco Tots” and it is adorable), and eventually it leads to their rows of fruits and vegetables growing on the farm.

I admire their sign posts containing helpful information speckled throughout this space, teaching you how to reduce your footprint, save water, and live a more ecologically friendly lifestyle. They collect rain water and filter it into the “sky water” tank where you can refill your water bottles from. I love the idea of drinking sky water—so special!

If you’d like to get involved and support the beautiful mission of the Ecology Center, they have opportunities to becoming a member, donate, and volunteer through their website. I hope you enjoyed this first “local” post, so happy to share our home with you.