About Whispertree

Our Mission

Whispertree (formerly Bell Valley Retreat) is dedicated to the Earth and to supporting today’s transformational change-makers. We embrace an emerging movement of humans seeking to connect more deeply with themselves, each other and the more-than-human world in an effort to create a more reverent and regenerative future.

About Whispertree Retreat

In these pivotal times, a new story is emerging among humans, one that redefines our relationship with ourselves, each other and the Earth. Responding to lived experiences of disconnection and disillusionment, more people are seeking a slower pace of life, a deeper interest in embodiment/trauma-healing, novel approaches to economics and deeper engagement in social justice and spiritual inquiry. Inspired by the love rising out of these practices, people are choosing to be guided by new values in their day-to-day lives. Whispertree (formerly Bell Valley Retreat) is dedicated to these individuals, groups and businesses seeking to write a new story for humanity — one that understands the value of a more sustainable, regenerative and reverent future.

Whispertree Retreat, nestled between two ridges. makes up a sub-watershed of the Navarro River, offering miles of trails and expansive, pristine views of Anderson Valley. Located 2.5 hrs from San Francisco and less than an hour inland from the Mendocino Coast, Whispertree benefits from being both remote and accessible to the Bay Area, an ideal destination and hidden-gem for those seeking natural beauty and a more grounded and sustainable pace of life.

Whispertree Values for the Anthropocene

/ˈanTHrəpəˌsēn/ Relating to, or denoting, the current geological age viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

  • Simplicity - Less Is More

  • Slowing Down To Reconnect And Grow

  • Deeper Listening

  • Facing Hard Truths With Support

  • Honoring A Greater Guidance

  • Cultivating Embodiment And Love

  • Pursuing The Common Good

  • Learning The Power Of Partnership

  • Risk, Creativity And Joy

  • Humility And Resilience

Whispertree Values for the Anthropocene

/ˈanTHrəpəˌsēn/ Relating to, or denoting, the current geological age viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment.

  • Simplicity - Less Is More

  • Slowing Down To Reconnect And Grow

  • Deeper Listening

  • Facing Hard Truths With Support

  • Honoring A Greater Guidance

  • Cultivating Embodiment And Love

  • Pursuing The Common Good

  • Learning The Power Of Partnership

  • Risk, Creativity And Joy

  • Humility And Resilience

What we cannot imagine cannot come into being.

— Bell Hooks

We cannot have a healed society, we cannot have justice, if we do not reclaim and repair the human spirit.

— Angel Kyodo Williams

Appreciation can turn our planet into a sacred home and our communities into extended family.

— Kristi Nelson

Meet Jon and Karin

Whispertree is the fruition of Karin and Jon’s shared belief in the value of humans gathering in nature for intentional, reverential and purposeful transformation.

Jon’s career began as a community organizer building grassroots organizations helping ordinary people build political power as a force for positive change. Following a decade of poor work-life balance leading to burnout, Jon recognized that outer political change without inner transformation was limited, if not potentially destructive. Embarking on a journey of self-discovery, he emerged as a leadership coach, helping activists become more powerful change agents by cultivating greater self-awareness and presence in all of life’s experiences. A crucial part of his healing journey revealed the painful separation he experienced from the natural world and the value of slowing down to recognize our profound interdependence. His deepening love of self and nature was the inspiration for a retreat center devoted to supporting those seeking personal and societal transformation.

Karin’s love of the natural world has its roots in an English childhood and a Swedish mother’s love for the outdoors. England’s age-old ‘walking rights’ on country land gave Karin an internalized sense of the value of public access to natural beauty. In her early 30s, she became a student of the Diamond Approach and earned a degree as a psychotherapist, developing a respect for the healing power of group work in a loving and supportive holding environment. Pursuing her life-long curiosity in human development, gender, truth and the evolution of consciousness, Karin has come to see our historical moment as a call for reconnection with the ‘feminine principle’ both within us, regardless of our gender, and in our connection to the natural world.

In the last 15 years, Jon and Karin’s vision has been supported and guided by many people and perspectives. A chance encounter in Patagonia with Doug Tompkins, a visionary leader in the deep ecology and regenerative land management movement, inspired them to become students of permaculture learning from esteemed teachers at Occidental Arts and Ecology Center. Additionally, Lindsay Dailey, Tribal EcoRestoration Alliance (TERA), and the worker owners of LIFT Economy all have shared profound wisdom, principles and practices related to regeneration and the next economy. While honoring these mentors and the indigenous roots from which they have each drawn inspiration, Jon and Karin have begun the work of caring for and cultivating Whispertree’s land.

Kendra

General Manager

Having grown up in Boonville, Kendra holds a deep connection to the Anderson Valley region and its community. As General Manager at Whispertree, she guides day-to-day operations while working toward a vision of embodied presence and regenerative existence for both the Whispertree staff and visitors who come here.

Brit

Facilities and Land Manager

Brit holds primary responsibility for ensuring that all guest facilities and land used by guests at Whispertree are well maintained to provide a supportive environment for retreat participants. She is a passionate student of biodynamic farming and sustainable land management.

Chelsea

Sales Director

Chelsea has worked with retreat leaders worldwide for the past 15 years. Since 2018, she has brought her extensive background in sales, management, and program development to our team. She is passionate about programs fostering personal growth, and finds inspiration connecting groups and couples to the land for transformative experiences.

Freida

Wedding Event Coordinator

Freida serves as the liaison between the wedding couples, the vendors and Whispertree. Drawing on her years of experience as a wedding planner, facilitator and coach she is committed to bringing integrity, grace and mindfulness in her work with couples.

The Whispertree Staff

We alive at this time are the luckiest people who have ever lived — and the ones facing the wildest, most terrifying challenges. This is not just a “deep paradox,” it’s an existential invitation to keep waking up, right now.

— Terry Patten

If the world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people, people whose love for this life is even greater than their fear.

— Joanna Macey

We have a sense that ‘normal’ isn’t coming back, that we are being born into a new normal: A new kind of society, a new relationship to the Earth, a new relationship of being human.

— Charles Eisenstein

Since 2015 We Have Hosted:

Transformational groups including organizations seeking an economy that works for people and planet, women’s empowerment/gender-healing, deepening embodiment, eco-psychology certificate programs, writing and the arts, climate resiliency groups and many more.

Getaways

Step back from the hurry of the world to deepen your connection with loved ones and nature at this beautiful Anderson Valley retreat.

Retreats & Offsites

Our commitment to regeneration of people and land makes Whispertree (formerly Bell Valley Retreat) an ideal retreat center for groups who value the restorative gift of nature, sustainability, and social impact.

Weddings & Celebrations

From intimate weddings to family reunions, our Anderson Valley event venue is the perfect choice for gatherings that invite simplicity and connection.