Welcome to The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano
Let’s cut to the chase: The Ecology Center isn’t your average farm. Nope. This 28-acre regenerative farm in San Juan Capistrano, CA, is doing something radically simple—growing healthy food, cultivating soil health, and bringing people back into relationship with the land, one season at a time.
The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano: Where Dirt Meets Purpose
The Ecology Center is located in Orange County – you know, the place most people associate with theme parks and beachfront real estate. But tucked into this bustling region is an ecological oasis where human beings can slow down, dig into the dirt, sip a coffee at the Campesino Cafe, and maybe—just maybe—remember what food really tastes like.
Rooted in Regeneration: The Ecology Center’s Guiding Philosophy
You want to know what sets The Ecology Center apart? One word: regeneration. This isn’t about sustainability anymore (although they’ve got that covered, too). This is about building something better—for our land, our kids, and the future farmers who’ll take over when we’re gone.
As Johnny Wilson, Farm Director, puts it:
“We’re not just trying to sustain what we have, we’re actually trying to build and create new models… new patterns of both relationship with each other and with the land.”
At its core, The Ecology Center runs on agroecology, mimicking nature’s rhythms instead of disrupting them. That means:
- Crop diversity (60+ fruit and vegetable varieties)
- Crop rotation to combat pests and disease
- No tilling, to protect the underground microbiome
- Composting and cover crops to boost organic matter
- Water conservation
And it’s not just about plants. The regenerative organic certification includes animal welfare and social equity, too. Every farmworker here earns a living wage in Orange County—a rare thing in agriculture.
What You’ll Find at The Ecology Center
Visiting this place is like stumbling into a living, breathing lesson in how to heal the earth and ourselves. And lucky for you, they’ve built an experience that meets every kind of visitor right where they’re at. Whether you’re a farmer-in-training or just a weekend wanderer, here’s what you’ll find:
#1: The Farm Stand
You know that feeling when you bite into a sun-warmed strawberry and time stops? Yeah, that’s the kind of fresh food you’ll find here—direct from the Ecology Center’s farm to your bag. Everything is grown onsite using organic ingredients, and unlike the big-box store, there’s a face (or three) behind every carrot bunch.
#2: Campesino Cafe
Pull up a seat and order the blue corn muffin made from their own San Juan Blue heirloom corn. Oh, and grab a cup of responsibly sourced coffee while you’re at it. This zero-waste restaurant makes “farm to table” more than a trendy slogan—it’s breakfast with a mission.
#3: Fermentation Lab & Educational Workshops
Got a gut feeling that you need more probiotics in your life? Hit up the fermentation lab and check out their hands-on classes. You’ll also find educational programming on everything from composting to soil health. This place isn’t just growing food—it’s growing knowledge.
#4: Peace Dome
Wellness meets the wild in this gorgeous geodesic dome space. Think yoga, sound baths, tea ceremonies, dance parties—basically a love letter to mind-body-earth connection.
#5: Field Trips & Farm Raised School
Because healthy people start young, the Ecology Center hosts kids from all over the region for field trips and seasonal camps. The curriculum? Dirty hands, full hearts, and no Wi-Fi required.
Relationships Are the Real Crop at The Ecology Center
Ask Johnny Wilson what his favorite thing to grow is, and you won’t hear “heirloom tomatoes” (though they’ve got those, too).
“Honestly, my favorite thing to grow is relationships. That’s our best product here. We use farming and food as a way to relate to each other.”
Let that sink in for a second. Because in a world obsessed with yield-per-acre and next-day delivery, The Ecology Center is betting on connection. They’re growing community members, not just consumers.
Holding Onto the Past, Building the Future
Johnny grew up riding bikes through the orange groves that gave Orange County its name. He watched those groves vanish, one development at a time.
“I didn’t really realize it at the time, but all of those farms and ranches slowly gave way to development. And then they would name the development ‘Orange Grove Way.’”
That disconnection? It fueled his mission. Now, he and the team are training the next generation—future farmers who will carry on this radical act of remembering where food comes from. Apprentices are mentored on-site, and soon, they’ll expand to a second farm just across town. The goal? Replicate this model and prove it works economically and ecologically.
Local Flavor, Literally
The Ecology Center partners with chefs who use their produce to create menus that speak to place and season. These collaborations turn the farm’s story into something you can taste—bright, earthy, unforgettable. You’ll find their ingredients at:
- Knife Pleat (Costa Mesa)
- Finca (Chef David Pratt, up the road)
- La Vaquera (Chef Aaron Zimmer)
- Wine Gallery (Laguna)
And yes, there’s dessert: Little Fox Ice Cream and Wildland Coffee also work with the farm.
Plan Your Visit: What to Do at The Ecology Center
Thinking of dropping in? Here’s what to add to your Orange County itinerary:
- Stroll through the farm stand and load up on fresh produce
- Grab a snack (or full brunch) at Campesino Cafe
- Sign up for a hands-on experience like a fermentation workshop
- Let the kids roam free on a farm field trip or drop into educational workshops
- Chill (or dance) in the Peace Dome under the stars
- Hike nearby coastal trails or take in the San Juan Capistrano Mission
- Support the local restaurants who are part of this regenerative movement
Why It Matters—Now More Than Ever
We’re at a tipping point. Climate change, soil depletion, disconnection from our food—it’s all coming to a head. The Ecology Center is proving that a healthy planet and healthy food go hand in hand – and it all starts with soil, sunlight, and showing up.
As Johnny says:
“We want to be not the last farm in Orange County, but the first of a new generation.”
That’s the kind of vision you can stand behind. Or better yet—plant something and grow alongside.
Want to get involved?
Follow The Ecology Center on social, visit their farm stand, or just show up. And if you do, don’t forget to tag pictures of your visit with #CAGROWN—because this isn’t just a farm. It’s a movement and we want you to share it with us!
Ready To Hit The Road On An Excellent Golden State Adventure? Check Out This CA GROWN Spotify Playlist:
This article was written by Meg van der Kruik. Photo credit James Collier for California Grown.