“If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” -Dr. Lilla Watson

Hawk’s Nest Healing Gardens is now accepting reservations for our Farmers and Friends Immersion in Valle de Bravo, Mexico. Immersion dates are January 16-23, 2024. This immersion is open to anyone who is committed to anti-racism, interested in becoming better stewards of the land, and wants to build relationships across borders.

This adults only immersion is a chance to experience the charming town of Valle de Bravo, be part of a farm visit led by a local nonprofit organization, go to the wintering grounds of the monarch butterflies in the Piedra Herrada mountains, and connect with like-minded people also working for social justice. Although we will be learning, this is not a service learning trip. However, we will have focused conversations within our group and the people we meet about the impacts of climate change, pollinator protection, and how to move towards food sovereignty in our communities.

We will also have a lot of fun! Valle is world renown for paragliding and hosts annual tournaments. We have a few planned activities like hiking and sailing, and will also have time to go off on your own to explore the markets, shops or just wander the cobblestone streets of this magical town. We are creating this immersion to share a unique experience that brings people deep into the culture of this region to make connections and build bridges between Mexico and the USA.

We invite you to participate in this amazing trip where you will witness the great gathering of thousands of butterflies and talk with the communities that are protecting them. You will see first hand how the communities in the Valle de Bravo region are protecting the monarchs and the majestic forest where they rest during winter. Due to habitat destruction and climate change, the monarch is now listed on the IUCN endangered species list. Because of conventional agriculture, use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers in the USA, among other practices like monocultural agriculture, the monarch butterflies struggle to reach their wintering grounds in Mexico where deforestation is reducing their sanctuary size. It is important for us to recognize the responsibility that we have in the USA to steward the land in right relationship free of pesticides and toxic chemicals, create pollinator friendly habitat, and advocate for policy reform that will protect this migratory species as they make their way to Mexico. The monarchs return to the forests each year around the Dia de Muertos celebration and the community knows that these are their ancestors coming back year after year. We all have a responsibility in safe-guarding this relative.

In addition to visiting the wintering ground of the monarchs, we will tour 2 organic farms to learn about their farming practices and the ecological technologies or “ecotecnias” they have installed - with support from local nonprofit, Procuenca - to conserve water and build soil health. One of the farms has a small biogas digester that is capturing methane from their cows to transform into fuel for their kitchen! Both farms are part of a regional cooperative working towards food sovereignty. We will share a farm-to-table meal with the farmers and have time to share our stories of struggle and celebration working towards food justice.

Throughout our time in Mexico, Hector weaves in history lessons sharing the rich stories of his magnificent culture. To learn more about your travel guides visit our farmers page. We are so excited for you to join us!

Cost: $2,500 per person

Dates: January 16-23, 2024

Maximum participants per retreat is 7

The immersion includes:

• lodging - shared Airbnb house (private bedroom at additional cost)

• transportation - to and from airport, and all the planned activities

• meals - breakfast, dinner and 2-3 lunches

• lots of walking! be ready to walk several miles a day on different types of terrain

• planned activities - farm tour and farm-to-table meal, walk or ride horses to the wintering grounds of the monarch butterflies, sailing on the lake, hike beautiful vistas and waterfalls

• unplanned activities - time to explore the streets of Valle, visiting the food and artesian markets and the cultural center, optional paragliding, paddle boarding, etc.
  

The immersion does NOT include:

• airfare - you must meet us in Benito Juarez International Airport, Mexico City

• travel insurance - you must provide your own

• rentals for optional activities like paragliding, kayak, paddle board, horseback riding, etc.

• cost for alcoholic drinks

To learn more about the immersion, email hawksnesthg@gmail.com with the subject line Farmers and Friends Immersion

To reserve your spot, send a non-refundable PayPal deposit of $300 and tag Farmers and Friends Immersion

**Pay your non-refundable deposit by July 30th 2023 and receive a $200 discount on the total cost of the trip

**See our photos below for a glimpse into our adventure!