Ecodharma Retreat for Ecological Resilience and Disaster Planners – Loving Each Other and the Earth by Building Beloved Community
Leaders
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Kritee KankoCo-LeaderKritee (dharma name Kanko) is a Climate Scientist, Buddhist Zen priest, Educator & Founding Spiritual teacher of Boundless in Motion. She is an ordained teacher in the Rinzai Zen lineage of Cold Mountain and a co-founder of Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center. She has served as faculty for courses or retreats at the intersection of climate crisis, racial justice, trauma healing and spirituality for many organizations including One Earth Sangha, Al Gore’s Climate Reality, Stanford University, World Council of Churches, San Francisco Zen Center, Mind & Life Institute and Lama Foundation. She has served as a leading scientist in the Climate Smart Agriculture program at Environmental Defense Fund for 12 years.
Kritee‘s experience is that identifying and releasing our personal and ecological grief in presence of a loving community is necessary; that helps us unlock our gifts and serve our communities. Her articles and interviews have appeared in the New York Times, BBC, Washington Post, Harvard Health, Yale Climate Connections, California Public Radio. Please see her personal website here</a.
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Deborah Eden TullCo-LeaderDeborah Eden Tull, founder of the nonprofit Mindful Living Revolution, is a Zen meditation/mindfulness teacher, author, and spiritual activist. She spent seven years as a monastic at a silent Zen Monastery and has been immersed in sustainable communities for 25 years. Eden’s teaching style is grounded in compassionate awareness, non-duality, mindful inquiry, and an unwavering commitment to personal transformation. She teaches dharma intertwined with post-patriarchal thought and practices, resting upon a lived knowledge of our unity with the more than human world. She also facilitates The Work That Reconnects, as created by Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy. Eden has been practicing meditation for the past 30 years and teaching for over 20 years.
Her books include Luminous Darkness: An Engaged Buddhist Approach to Embracing the Unknown (Shambhala 2022), Relational Mindfulness: A Handbook for Deepening Our Connection with Our Self, Each Other, and Our Planet (Wisdom 2018), and The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution (Process Media 2011). She lives in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Cherokee land, and offers retreats, workshops, leadership training, and consultations internationally.
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Emerson JamesAdvisorEmerson James (they/them) has spent a decade practicing homemaking in Cache Valley, Utah, and the surrounding Bear River Mountains. They are called to the particular role of spiritual practice and action to facilitate the transformation of cultures and systems of oppression. A person who has had a diversity of jobs – field ecologist, artisan cheese maker, project manager – Emerson tends to focus not on the what, but the how. For them, bringing great care and beauty to the small details, with an eye towards the whole, builds the foundations and containers for individuals, organizations, and communities to reimagine and give form to alternative systems of being. A dedicated meditator, they continue to be humbled by the journey to see themselves and the world clearly. They have a BS in Environmental Stewardship from McPherson College and an MS in English with an emphasis in Creative Nonfiction from Utah State University. Their queer, ecological, dharma, and writing interests are currently being expressed in an ongoing project exploring the liberation possible when an eco-queer lens is applied to the Jataka Tales.
EVENT DESCRIPTION
The Ecodharma Retreat for Ecological Resilience and Disaster Planners is a no-to-low-cost immersive experience designed to support community resilience, spiritual grounding, and emotional preparation in the face of climate and polycrisis-related disasters. Centered on building a beloved community, the retreat invites educators, activists, caregivers, and disaster responders, BIPOC and those from marginalized groups—to cultivate deep ecological kinship, emotional healing, and long-term collective readiness.
Dates & Location
Monday, September 29 – Monday, October 6, 2025 at Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center in Ward, Colorado, on treaty-recognized homelands of the Hinono’eiteen (Arapaho), the Tsitsistas (Cheyenne) and the Nuu-ci (Ute) nations.
Cost
This retreat is intended to be offered at little to no cost. Food and lodging for this retreat is fully funded by the BESS Family Foundation. There will be a small registration fee for administrative costs which can be reimbursed post-attendance for students, activists, BIPOC, poor, and working-class, other marginalized or under-represented groups. If needed, there are travel support scholarships available especially for Indigenous participants who are original stewards of Colorado. In the spirit of mutual care, we will invite voluntary donations (dana) at the end of this retreat to support leading teachers.
Retreat Description
We must prepare for a “polycrisis,” that goes beyond the climate crisis and encompasses multiple interdependent global risks that significantly degrade humanity’s prospects. Increasing frequency and severity of climate disasters are an integral part of the deepening polycrisis and they reveal both our fragility and interdependence. This retreat is the first in a series of three designed by Rocky Mountain Ecodharma Retreat Center (RMERC) to support the cultivation of community resiliency and responsiveness in states around Colorado as disasters and chaos will unfold in our communities in the decades to come. We need to be prepared for fires, floods, catastrophic winds, droughts, and other more slowly unfolding stressful events not just in 2025-2030 but in 2040-2050 and beyond.
Finding deep refuge in the beauty and wisdom of the land and the dharma teachings, we will rest, replenish, and tend to our nervous systems. We will introduce spiritual and emotional resilience practices, and cultivate the capacity of the heart. After accessing groundedness, restorative nourishing connection, and trust with each other and the more-than-human world, we turn towards our grief and rage. We hold space for all our feelings, name them, accept them, and if we feel so called, release them. We will build a nourishing, loving, and supportive beloved community together.
Our programming will also include a day of “Solo: Nature Kinship Day.” We will spend a contemplative day “alone” in the natural world, allowing ourselves to come into a deep sense of visceral connection, belonging, and communion with rocks, trees, waters, and all other beings on RMERC land as our relatives or kins.
We have a broader vision beyond just this retreat. Before and after the retreat, we will host online gatherings so that participants may build and maintain a web of belonging as we all respond to and serve our communities through polycrisis. This 2025 retreat is expected to be offered again in 2026 and 2027. We hope that all first-year participants will return for future retreats with this community and join the ecodharma-sangha.
Who is this retreat for?
Anyone can apply for this retreat, but the intention is to develop and foster a regional community of people involved in climate resilience and disaster preparedness. People based in Colorado and the greater Mountain West regions are highly encouraged to apply.
We are especially looking to cultivate relationships and community among people who do work, offer care, or provide service as part of any of these roles:
- K-12 teachers or educators
- Grassroots organizers, activists, and others engaged in social, political, ecological, and racial struggle
- Trauma-informed therapists, eco-chaplains, and others who offer psychological care
- Climate resilience experts, planners, or researchers
- Non-violent emergency response personnel (e.g., Fire department, FEMA, City/County Staff)
- Volunteers in local conservation and climate mitigation efforts
- Mutual aid or community care group members who serve vulnerable populations during and after disasters
This list is non-exhaustive. We encourage you to apply even if your work or role isn’t explicitly listed here, but aligned with the vision of this retreat. We are looking to build a regional community of people who have an understanding, commitment, and curiosity about the physical, psychological, material, and spiritual resiliency needs of our communities in the wake of climate and other disasters. If you feel like you may belong here, you do!
RMERC’s vision is to reserve 40-50% of the 30 retreat slots for BIPOC participants. At the same time, anyone is welcome and encouraged to apply. All participants are preferred to have prior training or lived-experience in the areas of anti-racism, allyship, solidarity across race, gender, sexuality, and class. At the beginning of the retreat, we will set-up clear multi-cultural and multi-racial space agreements, including conflict resolution frameworks, to maintain a safe retreat container for all.
Meals
To honor all life, we will prepare vegan food at the center which is the case with many Buddhist centers. You are welcome to bring your own snacks to eat in privacy of your room to meet your medical and cultural needs.
Application Deadline
We will review the applications on a rolling basis, but we highly encourage and will prioritize applications submitted by June 30th.
THINGS TO KNOW
LEADER SUPPORT: DANA OFFERINGS TO LEADERS
The price of retreats is set as low as possible and covers only retreat center expenses. None of the fee goes to the leaders, who are solely supported by the voluntary dana offerings of yogis. In the tradition of the Buddha, the amount of the dana offering is up to each individual. We do ask that your offering be as generous as your finances allow in order to support the tireless efforts of the leaders. Please bring a check or cash. We are very grateful for your support.
PAYMENT AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Payment and Cancellation Policies
Retreats with Private Registration
Please check with the organization hosting your retreat.
Scholarships
Retreats with Private Registration
All yogis attending listed retreats at RMERC are eligible for an RMERC scholarship.
We invite anyone with financial hardship to apply for an RMERC scholarship. Scholarship awards are based on need and availability of funds. We ask that you request the lowest amount required to attend the retreat, so that we can offer support to as many people as possible. Do not let cost be an impediment to your attending.
Click here to apply for an RMERC Scholarship.
Please check with the organizers of your retreat about use of scholarship funds.
FOOD AND MEALS
Meals are vegetarian and may include eggs or dairy, with vegan and gluten-free options available. Usually the cook can accommodate common food allergies such as gluten or dairy, but not food preferences. Make sure to include any special allergy or health needs you have during registration.
Tea, coffee and such are available all day long, along with some simple snacks such as mixed nuts and fruit. If you want a snack between meals, or supplemental protein, you can bring a small quantity of packaged unrefrigerated food. Please do not bring anything that needs refrigeration (medicine excepted). Excessive snacks are unnecessary: if you need a boost, a little gorp or an energy bar is sufficient for most people.
GENERAL RETREAT INFORMATION
RMERC Lodging
Lodging at RMERC includes
- Single and double rooms
- ‘Mini-singles’, available in the shoulder seasons
- A single ‘nook’
- Glamping and camping, available in the summer and early fall
- RV spaces, available all season.
See lodging details and photos here. Available lodging options are presented during registration.
Waivers and Minimum Age
All participants must sign an RMERC Waiver and Release to participate in activities at RMERC. Click here to sign the Waiver and Release. Some leaders may require their own waiver and release.
Participants must be 18 years or older to attend a retreat at RMERC. We are not able to accommodate children.
Yogi Jobs
Some of the work necessary to support the group will be handled by participants during the retreat. Yogi jobs will be organized by the retreat manager. Most participants find serving others in this way quite enjoyable, and a great opportunity for practice in action. Yogi jobs typically include meal prep, meal clean up, bathrooms, tea bar, and last-day clean up.
Phone and Internet Service
You will be out of contact with no internet access or cell phone service during the retreat. The nearest strong cell signal could be as far away as the plains north of Boulder, or in the town of Nederland.
Please complete all personal business before you arrive. The staff will have the ability to make and receive emergency calls or emails on your behalf, but phone and internet are only available for emergency use.
Equipment List
Weather in the Rocky Mountains is variable and often unpredictable. Sunny skies can quickly give way to fast-moving storms, bringing sudden rain, hail, and wind, regardless of the season. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, with warm midday conditions followed by cold or freezing temperatures at night. During June-September, average highs are 65-75 F and lows are 35-45 F. In May and October average highs are in the 50s and lows are below freezing. April and November are colder still.
Equipment lists vary from one retreat to the next. Download an equipment list for your retreat on the retreat listing (or contact the retreat organizer). A general equipment list is available here: PDF Version | Word Version.
Please do not bring a radio, music player, iPod, laptop, books, axe, alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs. Think about whether you really need a camera; is it consistent with the intentions of a retreat?
Altitude Sickness
RMERC is at an elevation of 8600 feet, and most people coming from lower elevations experience some effects of altitude. If you are coming from sea level, we recommend that you arrive in the Denver area a night earlier to help acclimatize. Remember to stay hydrated, stay warm, and take it easy the first day or two at the retreat center. Be kind to yourself.
No Fragrances Please
Out of consideration for others, we ask that you not use scented self-care products, oils, or fragrances. We ask that everyone exercise the utmost respect for self and others. Thank you!
Infectious Disease Policy
See the complete infectious disease policy here.
RMERC prioritizes creating a safe and comfortable retreat environment. RMERC does not require vaccinations, testing, or masks at this time. However, individual retreat leaders may determine stricter protocols at their discretion, and RMERC may revise the infectious disease policy in response to changes in public health guidelines
We recommend wearing N95 masks during travel and self-monitoring your possible exposure before arrival. If you experience symptoms, contact the retreat leader and consider adjusting your plans. HEPA air purifiers are available in shared rooms, and mask-wearing is always welcome.
TRAVEL AND ARRIVAL AT RMERC
Arrival and Departure Times
Most retreats begin at 4:00 pm on the first day of the retreat (please check the start times in the retreat details). Yogis may arrive 1 hour early but they will not have access to the lodge or bathrooms. Yogis who are camping may set up their tents at that time. Note that all tents must be on the lodge side of the stream.
Most retreats end after lunch on the last day of the retreat, and all participants must vacate the property by 2:00 pm.
Travel to the Retreat Center
RMERC is located about 45 minutes NW of Boulder, at 8941 Overland Rd., Ward, CO. If driving, please park in our main parking lot by the road and walk down to the lodge.
There is no public transportation to the center, and if you need a ride, the best option is to carpool with other yogis. RMERC provides a rideshare forum if your retreat uses RMERC-hosted registration (see details for your retreat). Otherwise, you may contact the leader of your retreat for assistance. Uber or Lyft may provide another option; please contact them to inquire.
Note: there is no cell phone service in the region around the retreat center.
Flights to Denver
Denver International Airport (DIA) is about 90 minutes from the center. Your best options for travel to the center are:
- Shuttle bus to Boulder (1 hr) and then carpool to the center; RTD public transportation ($10) departs DIA every hour, or check Green Ride Boulder.
- Uber or Lyft, either to Boulder or to the center
- Car rental
You should plan on your flight arriving no later than 1 pm to reach the retreat center on time. Return flights departing from the Denver airport should leave no earlier than 5:30 or 6 pm. Please do not plan on leaving the retreat early.
MISCELLANEOUS
RMERC Donations and Membership
RMERC is a nonprofit organization with a mission to offer low-cost retreats to as many people as possible. At the end of your retreat, you are invited to make a tax deductible donation to RMERC, and also to join the membership program of the RMERC community if you so choose. More information is here.
Pets and Service Animals
RMERC does not allow pets or service animals, as moose and bears become more dangerous in their presence.
Hiking Trails
Download a Trail Map in Color or a Trail Map in Black and White.
Lightning Hazards
Thunder and lightning storms are not uncommon during the summer months, and lightning is a very real hazard. Take shelter in a lightning storm, ideally in a building or in a car. If that is not possible, crouch down and maintain a low profile until the storm passes. Sound travels approximately 1 mile every 5 seconds. Count the number of seconds between a lightning strike and the sound of thunder; a 10-15 second delay indicates that lightning is several miles away, and is warning to take shelter.
Equipment Rentals and Supplies
Please check with REI in Boulder (303-583-9970) for rentals of tents, sleeping bags, pads, backpacks, etc. Boulder is the largest city in the area, and the best source of supplies. Nederland also has a few well-stocked stores, including grocery, outdoor shop, and library (but no pharmacy).
Nearby Camping
If you are searching for a place to camp prior to arrival or post-departure, we recommend using phone apps to search, for example,
- iOverlander, for a wide variety of options
- RV Parky, especially good for finding RV parking options
- The Dyrt, for both free and paid camping options (premium version is best)
- Recreation.gov app, for reservations at federal campgrounds (cost is very reasonable)
- Hipcamp, for lower-cost camping and lodging options
KEY POINTS
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DATES AND TIMES
Arrival: Monday, September 29 , 4 pm. Departure: Monday, October 6, 2 pm.
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REQUIREMENTS
Please review and complete the application form if you are interested to participate in this retreat.
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PROGRAM COST
Registration fee of $120; other costs are covered by a sponsorship from the BESS Family Foundation. See the Retreat Description for details.
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LEADER SUPPORT
By donation (see Things to Know)
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PROGRAM QUESTIONS
Contact Kritee, [email protected]
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REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Contact Kathy, [email protected].
- EQUIPMENT LIST
- CALENDAR
