Facilities & Accommodations

Most of our programs are offered on-site at  HEARTSTONE CENTER. We are located in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of New York, 12 miles south of Ithaca and Cayuga Lake. 

The center sits atop a hill on 29 acres of fields and woods and a small pond.  The land supports diverse medicinal plants as well as deer, fox, coyote and others.  We feel very blessed to steward this land with the good company of friends, interns and students.

In 2009, the Center became a medicinal plant sanctuary through United Plant Savers.

The 24’ yurt is our primary teaching and retreat structure. During many programs, students may opt to sleep in the yurt.

  

Our facilities are rustic and most students camp in tents on the land. 

  

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Our lean-to, affectionately called the “Toadstool”, sits at the edge of the woods & field and offers a perfect view of the rising sun. This tiny 3-sided structure holds a a queen-size sleeping loft. With occasional exceptions, Elders are given the first option to stay in the Toadstool.

There are a number of B&B’s, motels, and retreat centers within 10-15 mile radius if you would like additional creature comforts during your program. Ithaca, NY is a wonderful community in its own right and summer and fall visitors may want to allow extra time in town to dip in waterfall swimming areas of our state parks and visit the fabulous local Farmer’s Market.

Local Accomodations Maps and Directions Staff & Interns United Plant Savers

 

 

 

 

Our barn kitchen doubles as a classroom for primitive skills and for making herbal medicine.

MEALS:  Our herbal apprenticeship has been blessed with a wonderful goddess of food preparation.  Sharon Costianes, a student in our first apprenticeship, prepares a beautiful and nourishing menu from fresh organic, local produce whenever possible  and incorporates wild edibles of the season. Our menu accommodates diverse dietary needs.