The Venue
When we went to visit Bellwether Farm, we were excited. I personally (Leah) was a little nervous that it was too good to be true. It’s beautiful. It’s diverse in landscape. It has trails and camping areas. It has nice clean rustic cabins along with climate-controlled private and double rooms.
On top of all that Bellwether is a working farm with a farm-to-table culinary staff who care about health and wellness.
So when we were done with the tour and returned to the main hall, called the Grange, we found wild indigo full bloom in the garden. Kismet!
From Bellwether Farm’s website
Nestled at the heart of the Vermilion River Watershed, Bellwether Farm is dynamically shaped by water: upland forest and prairie habitats dominate the non-cultivated natural areas of the Eastern acreage, while the West of Bellwether Farm descends to recreational fields, edge habitats, floodplain forests, a pond, wetlands, riparian corridors with vernal pools. The diversity of these places fosters tremendous biodiversity and hosts…
- Over 250 species of herbaceous plants, with several being rare or threatened in the state of Ohio
- More than 40 species of shrubs and trees, and 50 acres of mature woodland
- Many dozens of migratory birds, plus many residents from Turkeys to Chickadees to Bald Eagles
- Amazing native animals such as tree frogs, coyote, beavers and deer
“We see this land as a gift and our presence here as a membership in a beloved ecological community. We strive to care for and steward this land in a way that conserves, protects and bolsters the integrity and biodiversity of it. Grounded in an ecological spirituality, we at Bellwether Farm seek to care for Earth, welcome guests and make decisions which reflect an on-going awareness of both our responsibility and our joy in living in harmony with all that is. We study, pray, live in community and work within a framework that strives to honor the sacred dimension of creation.”
Food
Bellwether Farm is a working farm and their dining hall offers farm-to-table meals. Our site visit included a lunch time taco bar with proteins for every need, including, vegan, fish, and meat from the farm, corn and flour tortillas, fresh produce from the farm, and everything prepared separately to make it easy to choose foods without having everything mixed together. Plus they provided gluten-free desserts and a full beverage bar that’s open all day. They are committed to providing healthy tasty food for everyone.
The conference meal plan includes 6-meals for the main conference. Dinner Friday and Saturday and breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday. The post-conference intensive meal plan includes Sunday dinner and breakfast and lunch on Monday. The meal plan is offered as a separate expense for those who wish to bring their own food. There is also a small kitchen in the cabin area that we will reserve for those who need it. Attendees are also welcome to cook at campsites.
Lodging Options
Retreat Rooms
The 40 overnight rooms are single or double occupancy with a private bath. Most rooms have two extra-long twin beds, although several have queen beds. There are five buildings of five rooms each that overlook the bluff down to the recreational area. Each of those five buildings includes a lounge and kitchenette for small group gatherings. Each retreat room is climate controlled and linens and towels are provided. Although all buildings and rooms meet ADA standards, the 10 rooms in the first two buildings have rooms that are specifically wheel-chair accessible. A covered walkway connects these two buildings to the Grange.
In addition there are five buildings with three overnight rooms each with a view to the farm pastures. Each of these rooms have two extra-long twin beds and a private bath. These buildings are not directly connected to a lounge and kitchenette, but each room will have access to one. All of these rooms have showers and toilets with sinks in the room.
Rustic Cabins
Each cabin includes four bunk beds and two single beds. Restrooms that include showers are in separate buildings. All cabins and restroom buildings are ADA and wheelchair accessible. Each restroom has a dedicated ADA toilet and shower stall. Unlike the retreat rooms, the seasonal cabins are not climate controlled. The restrooms are communal, and towels and linens are not provided.
Camping
You are welcome to camp out at Bellwether Farm, just remember to bring all your own gear and supplies. Tent sites are primitive with no access to running water. We ask campers to leave no trace. Restrooms and showers are available.
RV or Bus
You are welcome to bring an RV or bus, however hookups are not available and we discourage the use of generators. If you need a generator for medical reasons please let us know.
