Ekone Ranch

Specialties

Ekone Ranch is stewarded by Sacred Earth Foundation, a 501©3 non-​profit organization holding 1060 acres along beautiful Rock Creek Canyon in trust for current and future generations. This off-​the-​grid ranch is also home to Ekone Summer Camps, a very special horse & nature camp program in its 28^th year, and White Eagle Nature Preserve Cemetery, the only certified Conservation Burial Ground in the northwest, and one of only a handful in the country. Ekone hosts workshops, retreats and field trips year-​round, and has several public events each year. A small residential community of stewards lives on the land year-​round, practicing peaceful relationships and holding space for guests to experience Sacred Earth.

History

Established in 1972.

Ekone Ranch was founded by Ray Mitchell and some friends in 1972, when the original 160 acres was purchased and named Ekone – «land of the good spirit» in the local tribal language.

In 1985, the Sacred Earth Foundation land trust was incorporated as a non-​profit in the State of Washington, and with the help of many friends and donors, additional parcels of land began to be added to the Foundation.

In 1986, the summer camp program was created, as a way to share this magical place with children.

In December of 2007, after growing the land trust to 1060 acres, impacting thousands of children and adults, and building a wonderful off-​grid facility, Ray Mitchell passed away suddenly of a heart attack.

In 2008, the White Eagle Nature Preserve Cemetery was created, to bury Ray on this land that he loved, and to offer a simple, natural option for burial to the public.

In 2009, Sacred Earth Foundation received its 501©3 status.

And here we are, growing and thriving!

Meet the Manager

Shonie S.

Manager

Shonie first showed up at camp as a horse-​crazy teenager, and now, 19 years later, serves as the Executive Director of Sacred Earth Foundation and Ekone Summer Camps. She lives full-​time on the ranch and has a great passion for sharing this special land with children of all ages and inspiring earth stewardship. Shonie has over ten years of leadership with Ekone summer camps under her belt, and brings her natural sense of responsibility, practicality, and FUN to the task.

Shonie has a degree in Community Development and Food Systems from The Evergreen State College. She has a wide variety of professional experience in the non-​profit, educational, and agricultural sectors, including serving as the Food & Farming Program Manager at Sustainable Connections in Bellingham, WA. She is certified in Wilderness First Aid.

Her favorite summer activities? «Watching the kids fall in love with the land and learn big life lessons from our patient horses.»