Land
We slow water, build soil, grow food, care for animals, and restore habitat across a living 30+ acre campus.
Explore PermacultureA nonprofit learning landscape in southern West Virginia
The Mavis
Institute
A Living Appalachian School for Land, Life & Practical Knowledge
Est. 2005501(c)(3) nonprofit30+ Appalachian acres
Our way of seeing
Permaculture isn’t just about gardens. It’s a way to design a life worth living.
The Mavis Institute is rebuilding what modern life has stripped away: fertile soil, practical skills, local wisdom, strong communities, and the confidence to shape our own future.
Knowledge
We keep Appalachian wisdom useful and put modern technology to work for practical education.
Community
We invite people to learn, visit, volunteer, and help build systems that strengthen life together.
The Institute in action
A heritage estate becoming a school.
Mavis Manor, the Farmlab, Coopenheimer Barn, gardens, apiary, streams, seasonal ponds, and trails form one working landscape where ideas are tested and taught.
Living campus
Mavis Manor & Farmlab
The Farmlab is our living permaculture laboratory.
Explore our approach
Project underway
Coopenheimer Barn School
A family-built farm structure preparing for its next life as a teaching space.
Ongoing work
Land & Water Restoration
Gardens, pollinators, soil building, water retention, and habitat recovery.
Find your way in
Learn here. Visit here. Watch from anywhere.
Every class remains active and can be taught upon request. Property visits are arranged in advance.
Practical education
Permaculture, gardening, herbalism, food skills, technology, and self-reliance.
Come to the property
Join a scheduled tour, public event, or volunteer day in Flat Top, West Virginia.
Open the farm window
See animals, weather, bees, daily work, and educational broadcasts from wherever you are.
Old roots. New patterns.
Tradition here is not nostalgia. Technology is not the enemy.
Founded by educator, farmer, and storyteller Doc Mavis, the Institute stands where Appalachian knowledge and modern tools can serve life together. The nonprofit is transforming an 1897 home and surrounding land into a learning environment built to outlive its founder.
The Mavis Institute Co-Op · Founded May 25, 2005Support the work
Help build what comes next.
One-time and recurring gifts support education, land restoration, gardens, tools, animal systems, public broadcasts, and the Coopenheimer Barn School.
501(c)(3) nonprofit · EIN 82-2647384