Sustain Mizzou members traveled to Maya Creek Homestead, located in the Ozark foothills, 15 minutes east of Fulton this weekend.

According to Maya Creek’s website, the campground, natural preserve and homestead lies on 310 acres of forested land.

“The man in charge is Tao Weilundemo, and he somehow found out about Sustain Mizzou, and he came and talked to us about the Ecovillage last fall and invited us to come out and do some work on his property,” former Sustain Mizzou President Tina Casagrand said.

Former Vice President of Programming Monica Everett said 10 Sustain Mizzou members attended the campout.
“It’s a nice way to end the year for volunteers, to kind of get out of Columbia, hang out together, camp and get outside,” Everett said.

Former Sustain Mizzou spokeswoman Kelly Gehringer said it was inspiring to see what is going on at Maya Creek.

“They are trying to build a completely self-sufficient community, and it’s on its way, from the garden to the house, which Tao built with his own hands,” Gehringer said.

Maya Creek’s mission statement is to establish a lifestyle dedicated to taking responsibility for the existence of humans and future generations, as well as care for and restore the earth’s natural systems, which are necessary for humans and all life. 

Sustain Mizzou members arrived at Maya Creek on Saturday, stayed the night and volunteered their time Sunday before returning to campus.

“We roasted veggies and s’mores at night and trail-blazed a path in the morning,” Gehringer said. “It was a wonderful experience, and I would go back in a heartbeat.”

Everett said they spent Sunday afternoon clearing a one-mile trail.

“We experienced the self-sufficient lifestyle Maya Creek aims to achieve by touring the homestead, which includes a straw bale common house, an organic garden, a composting toilet and an outdoor solar-heated shower,” Everett said.