The Tomorrow Co. Ranch Grand Opening
Description
There is a band of formerly wild mustangs living on 39 conservation acres just east of Richmond. On November 14th, we’re opening the gates so you can meet them -- and explore the land they call home.
Welcome to the Tomorrow Company Ranch. Home to forest trails and native grasslands, treehouse lofts and open meadows, tree swings and a 5000-sq-ft arena, rich history and regenerative agriculture. It’s where a brand-new company does its work of helping people and organizations find clarity and build resilience. Where we believe getting close to nature is good for our companies and communities, our souls and our cities.
On this day, you're invited to experience it.
Live music and food trucks, cider and s’mores, guided walks and sound baths, crafts and tree-swinging. And a chance to walk land most of Richmond has never seen.
Come wander with friends, and make new ones. Come meet century-old trees, foraging sheep and gentled horses. Come for an afternoon of wisdom, wildness and wonder, as we open The Tomorrow Company Ranch to the community.
Agenda
- 3:15 pm - 3:40 pm
Flora & Fauna Tours with Phoebe
Join our immensely talented ecological illustrator Phoebe Draper as she leads a guided tour through ranch trails. You'll learn to identify native plants, beneficial bugs, and beautiful birds aplenty, and hear about the remarkable variety of ecosystems that thrive on this land.
- 3:45 pm - 4:10 pm
The History of the Wild Horse with Becky
Join Becky Lakin, co-founder of The Tomorrow Company, to learn about the history of the wild mustang in America. A journey that begins 55 million years ago, survives the Ice Age, shapes a nation, and continues today. Why must we protect these icons and ancestors?
- 3:45 pm - 4:10 pm
Flora & Fauna Tours with Phoebe #2
Join our immensely talented ecological illustrator Phoebe Draper as she leads a guided tour through ranch trails. You'll learn to identify native plants, beneficial bugs, and beautiful birds aplenty, and hear about the remarkable variety of ecosystems that thrive on this land.
- 4:10 pm - 4:30 pm
Grand Opening Remarks & Blessings
Local electeds, leaders, and The Tomorrow Company founders will take the stage to share the vision for this land, the history that empowers it – and gratitude to all who made this grand opening possible.
- 4:30 pm - 4:55 pm
Wild Design: Learning from the Forest with Gwyneth
Education innovator and author Gwyneth Hagan leads you on a journey to see the beauty and wisdom in natural design. From symmetry and spirals to bubbles and fractals, what can the shape of natural objects teach us?
- 4:30 pm - 4:55 pm
Sound bath in the Silvopasture with Katie
Lay down your towel or mat in the quiet of the forest, and allow Katie Lemmert to guide you into deep presence through Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, chimes and breathwork.
- 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Dancing & Toe Tapping with Wilson Springs Hotel
Enjoy one of the region's most talented bluegrass bands, The Wilson Springs Hotel. From the time we begin at 3:00 to the time we end at 6:00, they'll be playing beneath the cover of our 5000-square-foot outdoor arena. (We bet you won't be able to resist tapping a toe or dancing a line.)
- 3:00 pm - 5:15 am
Scavenger Hunt!
Kids of all ages can safely explore all the 39 acres offers. Using an interactive map, they'll hunt for wild places and natural objects, and receive a prize they won't soon forget!
- 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Adventuring
The entire 39 acres are open to you -- wander and explore, lay down a blanket and picnic, swing from the trees, lie in our hammocks, take pictures in the sky loft, bird watch from the platform, feed the sheep, find your favorite perch by the stream.
Lineup
The Tunes: Wilson Springs Hotel
Homegrown in the rich music scene of Virginia, The Wilson Springs Hotel is a 5-star quintet brought together within a union of genres - a high-energy folk act committed to rock & roll, bluegrass and classic country.
The Food: Beet Box Truck
The Beet Box is on mission is to make healthy food vibrant, approachable, and attainable through the belief that lasting wellness is rooted in caring for the mind, body, and spirit.
Artist and Guide: Phoebe Draper
Growing up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, Phoebe is an ecological illustrator and land steward. She teaches classes on botanical illustration, nature journaling, and works in ecological restoration. Her extraordinary drawings will be for sale in the Welcome Area. Once you see her work, you'll want it in your home.
Founder and Horsewoman: Becky Lakin
The story of the wild horse is an astonishing narrative of survival and adaptation and perhaps humankind's most compelling examples of interspecies partnership. Learn the history of these magnificent creatures, the current threat they face in America today, and meet our stallions and mares -- our animal colleagues in the work of The Tomorrow Company.
Educator and Ecologist: Gwyneth Hagan
As an educator, Gwyneth works with young people and adults to create learning rooted in place and purpose. Her approach is called Wild Design for Learning, drawing on lessons and patterns from nature to cultivate thriving learning ecosystems—where abundance, relationships, adaptation, and renewal can flourish.
Sound Bath Practitioner Katie Lemmert
Join Katie in the western forest, where she'll lead an immersive sound bath meditation, creating space that quiets the mind, reconnects the body and the natural world, and support greater clarity, creativity, focus, and ease.
FAQs
- Where should I park?
The first 50 cars can park on-site (follow the signs!).
When the lot is full, you can park 3/4 of a mile down the road at Bethel Baptist Church, where a shuttle will drive you and your crew the long 2 minutes back to the Ranch.
Shuttle runs continuously, so don't worry -- you're never wait more than a few minutes for a ride to or from. - Can I bring the kids?
Of course! The Ranch is a place for kids to find out how much thye belong in the natural world!
The Ranch is fun and totally safe. (But don't tell them the latter... A visit to the Ranch should feel like an adventure!)
Two notes:
1. No feeding or touching the horses unless Jason and Becky are around to help.
2. Once the fire pits are going, adult supervision required. - Are their restrooms?
Yes! They're beautiful, and likely unlike any you've used.
Most events rent a port-a-potty: a big plastic box with stinky chemicals.
We built composting toilets. Beautiful hand-constructed sheds with hospitable decor and the simplest toilet you've ever used. We think you'll love them. - Can I volunteer?
We'd love that! We need support on the day of the event in a bunch of different ways. And if you can help, we'll give you a free ticket and one for a friend. Email hello@tomorrowco.org and we'llc chat.
- Is there seating? Or should I bring my own blanket, chairs, etc.
Both! We have hand-made benches and picnic tables, perches made from fallen trees, swings, hammocks, chairs, etc.
But you should feel free to bring your own blanket or camping chair, so you can hang wherever you like.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
