Building Sustainable Communities

The Decorah Public Library, in collaboration with the City of Decorah Sustainability Commission and the City of Decorah Housing Commission, is thrilled to announce an enlightening event scheduled for May 2nd, 2024, at 6:30 PM. This engaging presentation will feature Craig Mosher, a dedicated advocate for sustainable living and resilient community development, who will share his experiences and insights into the Prairie Hill cohousing/ecovillage located in Iowa City.

Event Details:

– Date: May 2nd, 2024

– Time: 6:30 PM

– Location: Decorah Public Library

– Topic: “Building Sustainable Communities: The Prairie Hill Experience”

– Speaker: Craig Mosher

About the Presentation:

Craig Mosher will provide an in-depth look at the Prairie Hill cohousing/ecovillage, an intentional community that has embraced sustainability at its core. Attendees will be treated to a visual journey showcasing the 37-unit development, which is a remarkable example of modern sustainable living. Each unit is LEED Gold certified, super insulated, solar-powered, and operates entirely on electricity, eschewing the use of fossil fuels.

The Prairie Hill community is a testament to the power of intentional living, where decision-making is based on a consensus process, and residents actively participate in cooperative groups. A focal point of the community is the large common house, which serves as a hub for weekly community meals, children’s activities, exercise, laundry facilities, and even gatherings to watch Hawkeye women’s basketball.

About Craig Mosher:

Craig Mosher’s journey into sustainable community development is both inspiring and instructive. Having grown up in Iowa City, Craig ventured out for college and grad school before co-founding an alternative high school as part of an intentional community in San Francisco in the early 1970s. His subsequent 25-year career saw him directing social service agencies, teaching social work, and raising a family in eastern Iowa. In Decorah, he was a faculty member at Luther College, focusing on sustainability issues and helping to establish the Winneshiek Energy District before retiring in 2016.

Today, Craig resides in the Prairie Hill community, embodying the principles of sustainable and resilient living. His commitment to building strong relationships, fostering trust, and creating a nurturing environment, coupled with his passion for gardening, woodworking, and renewable energy, makes him a true embodiment of a sustainable community developer.