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Natural Awakenings Naples and Fort Myers

Happehatchee Center: A Gem in Florida’s Time Capsule

Jan 01, 2016 09:06AM ● By J. F. Walker

Holley Rauen playing yogi in the food forest

Holding Ellen Peterson’s 2006 vision statement in her hands lights up Holley Rauen’s heart and brings a smile to her lips. “Reading it leaves me with the feeling that although Ellen didn’t live to see her vision for the eco-spiritual center come to full fruition, her spirit is pleased with the solid progress we’ve made, particularly in the last two years,” says Rauen, who serves as vice president of the Happehatchee Board of Directors.

The five-acre property alongside the Estero River belonged to the Gulfcoast Girl Scout Council before becoming Peterson’s private residence. “We are now an official Lee County Historic Preservation Site and a 501(c) 3 nonprofit spiritual organization, which was one of Ellen’s primary goals,” advises Rauen.

Even with all the updates—plant nursery, edible food forest, butterfly gardens, composting toilets, peace pole, two meditation labyrinths, Peace Pavilion and river access—walking on the grounds largely shaded by a bamboo forest and sprawling live oak trees gives visits a sense of a Florida oasis that existed long before the area’s real estate boom.

“I want Happehatchee to be seen as a Mecca, an island of hope, a place of peace and tranquility in a crazy and hectic world. I see it as a place that will be known for truly catering to all in our community, keeping in mind their needs and nurturing their spirits.” ~ Happehatchee Center Founder Ellen Peterson [1923-2011]

Following another Peterson directive, affordable yoga and meditation classes are available six days a week at the Peace Pavilion. To underwrite their low-cost programming and cover operating costs, Happehatchee is now fundraising. “We offer several levels of memberships with exclusive benefits such as special membership days twice a year (March 20 and November 6 with music and refreshments), for-members-only labyrinth walks, and the opportunity to hold parties and events on property, as well as other perks,” explains Rauen.

Members of the board and advisory committee continue adding to the momentum of Peterson’s ecological activism to preserve the land and the river. The recently formed Estero River Task Force is working closely with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida to preserve 100 feet on both sides of the Estero River for turtle habitat. “We’re also supporting the efforts of Estero Council of Community Leaders, Estero Village Council, and the Stone Crab Alliance, which are all working together to secure home rule and a ban on fracking in Estero,” advises Rauen.

Florida Gulf Coast University students volunteer regularly to work on a number of projects, such as the edible food forest and an organic medicinal herb garden. A 2009 FGCU graduate, Julie Gerhard, volunteered to construct one of the labyrinths. Now she is the Happehatchee executive director and lives on property. “Volunteering here in this unique place impacted my life and opened my eyes to how important it was to get involved with my community and find out what it had to offer. Now I get to enjoy reconnecting with FGCU and the students who are here to learn about ecological and sustainable practices such as permaculture,” advises Gerhard.

Peterson, who was known throughout South Florida as a feisty and fiery environmental activist who fought fiercely for the protection of natural resources and wildlife, would have been especially delighted that Happehatchee is hosting Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., a Jungian storyteller, analyst and author of Artemis: Goddess, Archetype, and Source of Meaning in Activism. “Registration for Jean’s workshop, Compass for Activism on the Path with Heart, from February 19 through 21, is open now. Everyone here is looking forward to this workshop, which is our first big fundraising effort, notes Rauen.  

For more information about the Happehatchee Center, located at 8791 Corkscrew Rd., in Estero, call 239-992-5455 or visit Happehatchee.org.