Our Story
Maya Creek began in 2009 when we returned to this 310-acre tract of wild, forested land in mid-Missouri. Having grown increasingly disillusioned with mainstream consumer culture, we sought a more self-sufficient lifestyle in tune with the natural world. What started as a personal journey toward sustainable living has grown into an education center dedicated to sharing these experiences with others.
Our Mission
We believe that by reconnecting with the land and learning traditional skills, people can find the satisfaction and fulfillment that modern life often lacks. Our goal is to give visitors a taste of what sustainable living can be like and inspire them to take their lives into their own hands.
The Land
Our 310 acres include diverse Missouri forest, meadows, a spring-fed creek, and miles of hand-built trails. The property features straw bale and timber frame structures built using natural building techniques, productive gardens, solar power systems, and rainwater collection. We're continuously developing the infrastructure while maintaining respect for the wild character of the land.
The Nature Conservancy audited the property and gave it an "A" grade for biodiversity. We've compiled a list of native plants that grow on the property, with descriptions and uses for each — though it's only a small fraction of the species that actually exist here.
What We Offer
We host workshops on topics including natural building (straw bale, earthen floors, earthen plaster), permaculture design, composting toilets, wild edible and medicinal plants, shiitake mushroom cultivation, home brewing, and trail building. Visitors can stay in our hand-built cabins or camp in scenic forest settings. We also welcome volunteers who want to learn by doing and contribute to the ongoing development of Maya Creek.