sky harvest Newsletters
Welcome to the SkyHarvest 2024 Recap & 2025 Preview!
As we reflect on the incredible success of the SkyHarvest Eco Summit, we’re filled with gratitude for the passion and dedication of our global community. This year’s summit not only ignited new ideas and collaborations but also served as a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together to address the challenges of sustainability and environmental conservation.
From the inspiring talks of our expert speakers to the tireless efforts of our volunteers, the summit exemplified the power of collective action. It’s this spirit of unity and purpose that continues to drive our mission forward, whether it's through restoring the vital ecosystems of Bear Springs or empowering the community of Bowie through Project Oasis.
Bear Springs Phase 3
Much of the work performed during the Eco Summit was done in the Bear Springs phase 3 area. Bear Springs is being restored with a grant in partnership with Borderlands Restoration Network, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Diamond Mountain retreat Center.
We’re excited to share that SkyHarvest has successfully met our funding match for the grant of $85,000 for Bear Springs Phase 3, thanks to the incredible dedication of our volunteers and the generous support of the community. This achievement, made possible through countless volunteer hours and strategic expenditures, is a testament to the power of collaboration and collective effort. With these funds now matched, we are well on our way to continuing the restoration work at Bear Springs, further enhancing the ecosystem, and supporting sustainable practices for years to come.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this milestone—your commitment is making a lasting impact!
Project Oasis
In 2024, Project Oasis made progress in supporting the community in the small town of Bowie. The renovation of the community center was completed, creating a welcoming and vibrant space for connection and growth. This newly revitalized center became a hub for local engagement, hosting lively community functions for both Halloween and Thanksgiving, where neighbors came together to celebrate and share.
Beyond the celebrations, we also began work on sustainable infrastructure, with raised garden beds and a water catchment system underway to support local food production and water conservation. These efforts are just the beginning of Project Oasis, and we are excited to continue nurturing this community space and empowering residents to lead sustainable, healthy lives.
A generous gift from the family of our beloved teacher, Ani Palma, has made it possible for us to sell a small house in Bowie, Arizona, which is now on the market for $45,000. The proceeds from this sale will play a critical role in supporting our ecological restoration projects. If you are interested in purchasing this home, email alix@skyharvest.org
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to build on these successes with new projects, a special fundraising campaign, and more opportunities for hands-on involvement. With your continued support, we are more committed than ever to creating lasting change and fostering a future where people and nature thrive together.
Thank you for being part of this journey—your dedication is shaping the future of sustainable communities, and we can’t wait to see what we will achieve together in the coming year! Read on for all the latest updates, milestones, and exciting developments happening at SkyHarvest!
Completed projects – animal liberation/bear springs 1 and 2
We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Bear Springs Phases 1 and 2, marking a significant milestone in ecological restoration and sustainable land management. This ambitious project, in partnership with Diamond Mountain Retreat Center, focused on water retention and promoting biodiversity through native plant restoration.
A highlight of the project is the demonstration garden, which showcases native plants and serves as an educational resource for the community. With restored soil health, improved water management, and an emphasis on ecological balance, Bear Springs now stands as a living example of how thoughtful stewardship can help regenerate the land for both people and wildlife. We're excited to see the long-term benefits of this transformative project unfold.
In 2025, SkyHarvest is launching a fundraising campaign to raise $50,000 to fund our ongoing projects and to hire a Director of Operations. This key role will be filled by an expert in grant writing, arid land restoration, and community-building around sustainability, helping to drive our mission forward and strengthen our impact in the coming years. To celebrate this new chapter, we’re offering a special gift for those who donate $1,000 or more to become SkyHarvest Founding Members.
What’s coming in 2025!
As a symbol of the land where we do our restoration work, we’ve created limited-edition marble necklaces made from the unique white, pink, and black marble found in Cochise County, Arizona. These stunning necklaces, with 108 beads and a mother bead made from pagodite from Western China, offer a tangible connection to the land and our mission.
In addition to our fundraising efforts, we’re thrilled to announce the third annual Ecological Restoration Summit at Diamond Mountain Retreat Center—stay tuned for more details!
We are also excited to welcome small groups of volunteers throughout the year for hands-on restoration work. If you’re interested in joining us for an impactful volunteer experience, please visit our website to apply. Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our shared vision for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the Bowie area and beyond!