Narrow Ridge Earth Literacy Center

The “dream” of Narrow Ridge began in the late 1960’s and became a reality with the 1972 purchase by Bill Nickle of 40 acres of steep mountain land in Hogskin Valley. Bill believed that youth and young adults could better solve their problems by an immersion of some kind in a wilderness setting where they could connect with the sacredness of Creation. Because of lack of financial support, he put the dream on hold and left Grainger County in 1980 to work for nine years at a United Methodist Camp. He returned to the dream and Hogskin Valley in 1990 and with the financial support of Michael Wilburn and MacGregor Smith chartered Narrow Ridge for the second time. With an emphasis on community, sustainability and spirituality for the last 20 years, the Board of Directors of Narrow Ridge and its staff and volunteer leaders have guided this non-profit corporation to expand to over 500 acres of environmentally protected land. Its solar powered structures, vegetable gardens and orchards have taught college students, interns and visitors how to live a more ecologically responsible lifestyle. Friends and neighbors from the North side of Grainger County as well as committed individuals around the nation have helped to make the dream come true.

The Narrow Ridge Center is a nonprofit organization established to study, teach and demonstrate sustainability with solar powered rental facilities and homes that have been “off the grid” since 1991. Narrow Ridge is dedicated to providing experiential learning of Earth Literacy based on the cornerstones of spirituality, sustainability, and community. We are located on the “north side” of Grainger County and protect more than 500 acres of mountain land. Components include an Earth Literacy resource center and library, eco-friendly meeting and lodging rental facilities, a natural burial preserve, and land trusts building sites. Academic and experiential programs include social ecology courses, Vision Fasts, sustainable living and natural immersion experiences, and alternative spring break opportunities. Our growing agricultural effort includes a demonstration garden and orchard that provide experiential learning opportunities and supply food for program guests. Ongoing community events at the Center include Music Jams, Film Nights, Equinox and Solstice Celebrations, community potlucks, Yoga classes, and our annual Hogskin History Day, which celebrates the beauty, history, culture and music of our area.