Rural Sanctuary
On Happy Compromise Farm, Eryn Leavens and Oliver Gawlik our creating a peaceful refuge for animals and humans alike.
Story by Hollye Holbrook
(Above: Photo by Sarah Murphy @adventuresincrittersitting.)
CardiBeak, Pecklemore, Missy Eggliott, Waka Flocka, 2Chirpz and Chicki Minaj.
These are just a few of the names you’ll hear while
visiting Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary, nestled in the hills of northern Douglas County. Stewards Eryn Leavens and Oliver Gawlik moved to the property in July 2019 with a vision of starting a regenerative farm with fruits, vegetables, flowers and, well, some animals.
“We brought 11 of our own animals and adopted 24 more who were already living on the property,” says Leavens. “At the time we thought that was a lot. We posted in our Instagram bio that we rescue animals and immediately got requests to take in more. We now have 100.”
There are flocks of chickens, roosters and ducks (affectionately named The Lost Boys, The Dragsters, The Goldie Oldies, Party Fowl, Tootie Fruities/Schmidts and Frat Boys); three goats (Herbie Berbie, Big Tony and Fernando); and two alpacas (Hazelnut and Roy).
“The sanctuary really took over our first year here,” adds Gawlik. “But it’s been a delightful takeover. The Sanctuary at HCF became a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit as soon as possible so we could rescue more animals and fundraise for their care. It’s completely donation- and volunteer-run, and we work with other sanctuaries as well.”
Walking around the farm with Leavens and Gawlik, the love they have for animals is readily apparent. So is their passion for the land and environment.
“We’re looking toward the long term. We minimize anything gas powered – we are the machinery here,” says Gawlik. “Our garden beds are no-till, which is a method that retains the healthy microbiomes in the soil and builds them up over time. It’s a regenerative system where we don’t have to bring in chemicals or many other amendments. We believe that establishing a good relationship with the property and soil will pay off over time.”
“We wanted to create a place where people could come to get away from their busy lives for a few days to stay on the farm and meet the animals or have complete privacy.” — Oliver Gawlick
But the land isn’t the only thing they’re regenerating and establishing a relationship with. Leavens and Gawlik are putting care into humans, too. They’ll be opening a farm stand this year for guests and visitors and donating extra food to a food bank. Next year they plan to have a CSA (community supported agriculture) option. And in the meantime, toward the top of the hill on the property, the two have constructed a yurt that’s listed on Airbnb.
“We wanted to create a place where people could come to get away from their busy lives for a few days to stay on the farm and meet the animals or have complete privacy,” says Gawlik.
The yurt offers the unmistakable warmth of woodstove heat. Plush robes hang on a rack for guests to wear after using the cedar-steam sauna. Other features include a table with Leaven’s handmade ceramic mugs and tumblers; zero-waste, non-toxic products for the home and a small menu of food that guests can order during their stay.
“We wanted to make it an experience,” adds Leavens. “Something special.”
Special it is. All of it.
With 70 fruit trees, a fire-resistant, zen-like medicinal garden, 23,000 gallons of rainwater collection tanks and hand-built structures for the animal residents, the list of what makes HCF special is a long one.
“Our vision for the farm and sanctuary is to create a whole ecosystem where we can raise much of the food our animals need here on the farm, sustain ourselves and help feed our community,” says Gawlik.
“And without hurting any animals, or using them for anything,” adds Eryn Leavens. “We want to make sure every animal has the best life possible and is taken care of for their entire life.”
To donate to the nonprofit sanctuary, book a stay in the yurt, find Leaven’s ceramics and learn more, visit happycompromisefarm.com. Find Happy Compromise Farm+ Sanctuary on social media @happycompromisefarm.
