Mari Maya - Ecological Wonderland, California

Mari Maya is our version of giving back to the land. We are a small group of artists, farmers, and nature lovers with a vision of reforesting the land. Since 2021, we have planted over 20 olive trees and pine trees that are accustomed to this climate. We have also cultivated a tiny native forest. You can keep up with our journey on Instagram: @mari.maya.forest

Learn more about this land:

Mari Maya is our version of giving back to the land.

We are a small group of artists, farmers, and nature lovers with a vision of nurturing this space. Since 2021, we have planted over 20 desert olive trees and desert pine trees that are accustomed to this climate. We have also cultivated a tiny native forest.

We gather harvested rainwater and ocean water, feeding this piece of earth the nutrients and water it has been lacking for so long. In return, we are blessed with a friendly and welcoming space, relaxing breezes, gorgeous skies, and a calm sense of place.

You can keep up with our journey on Instagram (@mari.maya.forest) and on Medium (medium.com/flow-the-desert).

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AVAILABILITY

We often camp here while working on the garden. If you'd like our presence, great! It's just a small group of artists, farmers, and other ecological souls. If you'd like to be alone, also great! We will make sure not visit or work during your stay.

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TOUR

We'd love to give you a tour of the land! For almost a year, we have been planting and installing features for the property. We're proud of the work we've accomplished, and have a long way to go to fulfill our vision of the place. Your booking helps us purchase more plants!

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TOILET

There is an area in the southeast corner where you can urinate and squat to leave other remains. It is important to keep your humanure separate from the rest of the property, because we will be curing and composting the organic material after one full year of curing. *If you'd like to reserve a portable toilet to make your trip a little easier, you are more than welcome to select that extra option during your booking.*

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VIEWS

Our property is located just over the mountain butte range. It is normally extremely silent, but on occasion you will hear a distant generator or an airplane. You will be able to see clear skies, 360 degree mountains in the distance, and pure desert without any main roads. We recently had a 5K green water tank delivered. It is on the east side of the property, and will be filled with potable water by springtime.

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VEGETATION

While most of the camping area is cleared of thorny brush, please be aware of stepping off-path, as there are various native bushes with spiky exteriors that can get through clothing (and leave your skin feeling itchy). As mentioned earlier, please be mindful where you step since we have planted a lot of baby saplings.

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NEIGHBORS AND PRIVACY

The property is enclosed within a fence, and there is a locked gate at the entrance. While it feels private, please remember you are still in an open clearing. There are three homes in the very far distance, including a hoop house. Since the roads and neighbors are very far away, it will still feel private--but please be mindful.

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WILDLIFE

While we haven't actually seen a coyote or dog on the property, we know one has visited our garden because of the droppings they leave behind. You will also notice the occasional vole--a tiny mouse-like creature that burrows underground. Birds of prey circle above. There is a lot of insect activity--including desert stink beetles, worms, large ants, and more--in the garden. We have spotted a roadrunner several times; it stops by to eat and peck at our mature joshua tree.

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NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

- Sattleback Butte State Park: Hiking, climbing, picnic, camping, restrooms.

- Butte Valley Wildflower Sanctuary: Wildlife, hiking, socializing, theater, swimming, classes, fitness, restrooms.