Key Information (this is copied from their site here). Please read carefully.
Welcome to EarthRise Center at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. Please take a few moments to acquaint yourself with our guest guidelines (or download a PDF version of our guest guidelines).
Packing List
► Swimsuit for the hot tub► Flashlight or headlamp for walking at night
► Layered clothing—the temperature drops quickly in the evenings
► Rain gear is recommended from October to May
► Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
► Water bottle—we have filtered water dispensers throughout the campus
► Hot beverage travel cup for coffee/tea
► Toiletries and medications
► Earplugs
► Map/driving directions to EarthRise Center
► Perfumes & Scents: Due to many guests' allergies and sensitivities to scents, please leave your perfumes, scented body oils and incense at home.
Arrival On Campus
There will be signs indicating check-in locations and parking.Orientation
At the beginning of your stay, your group will receive a welcome orientation by our staff to relay important information about the site. This will include an outline of emergency procedures and waivers for each individual.Lodging
► Check-in time is 4PM and check-out time is 9AM, unless otherwise arranged and noted. On the last day, you are welcome to leave your luggage in the dormitory hallway until the conclusion of your retreat.► We have single and double occupancy rooms, with one or two beds in eight different buildings located closely together. Each dormitory has hallway bathrooms that are shared between all overnight guests in that dormitory.
► We provide all bedding, linens and towels.
► We also provide Shampoo, Conditioner and Shower Gel by EO®, a family owned and operated, Certified Organic Manufacturer of personal care products using the highest grade natural and certified organic ingredients.
Terrain
The campus lies on 194 acres of hilly terrain. There is a road and walking trail between the dormitories and the community building where meals are served. The road is lit at night for safe passage. It is a 5-10 minute walk to and from the dormitories and community building.Hot Tub
Swim suits are required. No alcohol or glass is allowed in the hot tub area. The hot tub is accessible for people with mobility challenges via a lift. The deck around the hot tub is a lovely location for individual yoga practice.Computer Access
WiFi is available to all of our guests and is password protected. There is also a desktop computer and printer in the community building from which you may check your email and print your boarding pass.Cellular Telephone Coverage
All cellular telephone carriers receive coverage on campus. We ask that you turn your ring setting to vibrate or silent while on campus to not disturb other guests.Telephone
There is a telephone in Chalet #2 across from the guest kitchen for making local phone and emergency calls only. For making a long distance call you will need to use your phone/credit card. There is an office phone at reception for emergencies only. If you must receive calls at the office, we will take a message and deliver it to your group leader. The emergency phone number is 707-364-2554.Lost & Found
All lost & found articles will be held for 30 days, after which they will be distributed in a charitable manner. If you feel you have left something behind, please call: 707.779.8224.Bookstore & Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is generally open Tuesday through Saturday 11am - 7pm. We carry a variety of personal items, books, sweets, and gifts. Wine is also available for purchase in our gift shop.Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are 10:00PM to 8:00AM. Please be considerate of other retreat participants at all times. Some groups may be on silent meditation retreats.Guest Kitchen
The small, fully equipped kitchen in Chalet #2 is for all retreat center guests. If you bring your own food, mark it with your name or the name of the group. If you bring medication that needs to be refrigerated, please make sure that it is clearly marked. EarthRise is not responsible for missing food, beverages or medication.Pet Policy
No pets are allowed on campus. Certified companion animals and guide dogs are permitted.Parking
After loading or unloading, please move your vehicle to the Retreat Parking parking area as quickly as possible. Parking in the cul-de-sac area by the dormitories or on the grass is not permitted. Parking on the roads or in the fire lanes is not permitted.Special Needs
► If you have mobility needs, please let your group coordinator know so they can arrange with us for suitable lodging.► If you have special dietary needs, please communicate your requirements to your group coordinator who will then provide the information to us. We are able to work with most types of food allergies, but if we are not able to provide all of what you need we will provide refrigerator space for your food.
Meals
► Using a bounty of sumptuous, mostly organic, locally grown, seasonal fruits and vegetables and sustainably raised fish and fowl, our kitchen team creates imaginative, eclectic menus that nourish the body, soothe the soul, and warm the heart. Lunches are vegetarian and dinners include fish or chicken as well as a vegetarian option.► Our meals are served buffet style. We are not a restaurant and therefore we do not take individual orders.
► Complimentary tea and coffee are available in the community building from 7:00AM – 7:00PM daily. Coffee and tea supplies are also available in the guest kitchen in Chalet #2 and can be made by guests anytime.
Smoking
We aim to be a smoke-free campus. However, there are two designated smoking areas, one on each side of the campus (in front of the West Room on the west campus and behind the main kitchen on the east side of campus). Please use the smoking bins provided and do not litter butts.Fires
► We do not allow the use of candles inside or outside our buildings unless they are in a proper votive holder that can be purchased at the bookstore.► Outdoor campfires are not allowed in fire season. If you want to have an outdoor fire in the rainy season, it must be arranged with your Events Coordinator in advance. We are governed by very strict laws due to the high fire danger and the remoteness of this area.
► Fireworks and firearms, under any circumstances, are not permitted.
Hiking
► Trails—► Be aware of poison oak. Leaves of three, let it be!
- Trail maps are available in the community building.
- Please stay on the trails.
- Do not approach or feed wildlife.
- Check yourself for deer ticks after walking on the trails or in grassy areas. If you get bitten, save the tick and you may want to have it analyzed for Lyme disease. Tick kits are located in the community kitchen in Chalet #2.
► Be aware of snakes. We have never seen a poisonous Western Rattler snake on the property, but they do exist in this area.
Facilities and Grounds
► Please do not take retreat center furniture, fixtures, bedding or linens out of the rooms.► If any retreat center property is missing or damaged, the person(s) or group will be responsible for paying for the damage. The site manager will determine the cost based on materials and labor to repair or replace the item or items.
► Please turn off heaters/air conditioning and lights when you are not in your room.
► Please be mindful of your personal property while on campus. If you would like to request a key to your sleeping room, please contact the Caretaker at 707.364.2554.
► The speed limit on the property is 5 mph. Please be mindful of animals and humans when you are driving your car on the roads.
Emergencies
In case of a life threatening emergency: Call 911
⇒ The address is 101 San Antonio Rd., Petaluma, CA, 94952THEN call our resident caretaker at 707/364-2554 and report that you have already called 911, and the location and nature of the emergency.
