This is the story of Ciro, a man who took an abandoned piece of farmland, degraded by monoculture, and transformed it into a natural paradise. How did he do it? By making a bold decision: to plant over 20,000 trees! In 1995, he decided to bring his dream to life, and by 2005, he had created an entire forest and a pond. Thanks to his vision and determination, a once-barren land is now a thriving green heart full of life and beauty.

Reforestation as a Response to the Climate Crisis

With this incredible action, Ciro initiated a powerful natural process to counter the rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. Science shows us that the positive effects of reforestation in tackling climate change are clear and immediate, as microorganisms, algae, and bacteria return, alongside trees, to naturally absorb CO2. Reforestation offers everyone a practical solution to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. Imagine, if only 1% of the Italian population followed Ciro's example and planted 20,000 forest trees, more than a third of Italy's surface would be reforested!

Five Ways Farm: A Community for People Over 60

Beyond restoring the forest, Ciro pursued an even more ambitious dream: to build Five Ways Farm, a community dedicated to elderly people who want to live active and mindful lives. And so, in Torre di Mosto, in the Province of Venice, a community for those over 60 was born, where five principles (hence the name "Five Ways") guide each day: nature, health, friendship, knowledge, and sustainability.

The goal is simple yet powerful: to create a space where people can age joyfully, maintaining agility and vitality even into their 90s, 100s, or beyond! Five Ways Farm invites everyone to envision a new chapter in life, where age is just a number and the desire to discover, and grow is boundless. Ciro planted these principles like trees in a forest, knowing they would bear extraordinary fruits for those who share his vision of a long and energetic life.

The Multifunctional Farm

Five Ways Farm is also a multifunctional farm. Beyond promoting a sustainable, community-based lifestyle, the farm engages in various agricultural activities, including organic farming, agritourism, educational farming, and social farming.

These initiatives aim to generate income that supports the community, share the acquired knowledge, and offer an example of a life inspired by the three ethics of permaculture: care for the earth, care for people, and fair share.

A Place for Sharing and Learning

Five Ways Farm is so much more than a retreat in nature; it’s a place where every day becomes an opportunity to connect, learn, and enjoy life. The restaurant and communal spaces are true centers of community life, designed to foster social interaction and sharing.

These spaces are also the heart of personal growth and development. Classes and daily gatherings cover topics from agriculture and environmental issues to well-being, with craft workshops, natural cooking classes, permaculture sessions, and guided walks among the 20,000 planted trees to rediscover our bond with the Earth. For those who enjoy movement, there are sessions of yoga and gentle gymnastics. And when the sun sets, evenings come alive with dancing, creative workshops, and gatherings with local associations.

Knowledge is a precious treasure, and at Five Ways Farm, it’s always flowing. Each member brings their skills, making the farm a place of continuous growth and learning, where everyone is both the master and the student.

How to Join the Community

Joining the family at Five Ways Farm requires more than just the desire to be part of it: it requires alignment with the community’s values and a sincere commitment to active participation and growth. It all starts with a self-evaluation, where each aspiring member asks themselves if this community truly reflects their goals.

After participating in introductory activities, there’s a final assessment to check one’s ability to adapt and their motivation to be part of this project. It’s more than just a test; it’s a journey of self-discovery and community exploration. This process creates an extended family where every day is filled with a strong sense of belonging, with everyone united by shared values and visions.

In a Nutshell

The story of Five Ways Farm tells of a community for people over 60, born from the dream of creating a place to live in harmony with nature and each other, aging together with joy. Ciro, the founder, dedicated years of hard work and passion to reforesting an abandoned agricultural desert, transforming it into a lush and welcoming paradise. Through his dedication, he laid the foundation for a community based on nature, health, friendship, knowledge, and sustainability. In this environment, members find companions to share the daily beauty of mutual support, embracing the journey together rather than walking alone.