Meet A Farmer: The Ecology Center
Meet Evan Marks: How The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano transformed a historic vacant lot into a thriving permaculture hub for regenerative living.
Farmer’s Footprint is a nonprofit initiative dedicated to restoring human and environmental health by advancing regenerative agriculture through education and storytelling.
San Juan Capistrano, California
You can find Evan perched on the steps of the Congdon House in San Juan Capistrano along with his house cat, Alice, thinking about the regenerative possibilities available on this historic plot of land.
After a handful of years abroad, Evan realized the greatest need for change was back at home so he packed his bags, came across The Congdon House and that is where the dream of the Ecology Center began to grow.
Having witnessed more than 130 years of social, agricultural, and environmental change, the Congdon House would be the ideal venue for an exploration of the links between past, present, and future. At the same time, as one of the oldest standing embodiments of the past, it serves to remind us that we must act today to rejuvenate the environment for the generations to follow.
Now, The Ecology Center is a 1-acre permaculture site composed of learning gardens, interactive exhibits, and a general store.
They have grown over the past decade from selling just 3-4 grass-fed steers in our first year to now selling shares in around 25 annually, along with around 100 lambs, plus a growing flock of layers. Education, Resource Development and Grant Support could be of benefit in order to instill additional practices they still would like to put into place.
“A positive future is possible.”
A motto Evan lives by and the proof can be seen from soil to rooftop of The Ecology Center.
He believes there is nothing more important than understanding the truth that the world we live in is facing radical change and taking action to be a part of a culture that knows how to sustain the things that sustain us.
The center is dedicated to 3 core initiatives:
GROW:
Thriving ecosystems nourish the local community by creating gardens, resources, and community to make vibrant spaces out of vacant places
EAT:
Building pathways to an ecological food future. Gathering chefs, farmers, and community together to eat with intention.
MAKE:
Supporting local artisans and modeling a modern village by creating pathways for more conscious consumption by building a vibrant local economy.
With roughly 70,000 visitors per year, The Ecology Center is a critical resource for their community that shows people how to save water, grow healthy food, and produce goods with a minimal impact on our environment.
Evan and his team are proof you can turn nothing into something and change lives and the trajectory of the planet.
They took a vacant lot and transformed it into an educational space where they teach community members about the importance of regenerative living practices, which is proof any of us have the ability to do the same in our local community.
The Ecology Center
LOCATION:
32701 Alipaz Street
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
2159 India Street Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92101
WEBSITE:
www.theecologycenter.org
CONTACT:
(949) 443-4223
More Stories
Support our work
Stay Connected
You’ll receive our monthly Field Notes newsletter, project updates, and free resources, plus you’ll get first access to new stories.
Make a Donation
Your tax-deductible gift fuels the storytelling that shifts culture, the organizing that turns awareness into collective action, and the relationships that make long-term systems change possible.