Clover Forest - Historical organic farm and wedding venue.

About the Venue

Located in central Virginia, Clover Forest has roots dating back to 1761 and remains a working farm today.
Nestled among rolling hills, Clover Forest is a haven of peace and tranquility in a pristine unspoiled setting.
The gated private property features a federal period mansion, terraced gardens and private lake.
It is home to a flock of rare-breed miniature sheep and numerous (very grateful) rescue dogs.
Free-ranging Bielefelder chickens help with insect control and tilling in the gardens each day.
A colony of honey bees pollinate the forests, herb beds, berry patches and food gardens.
As part of Clover Forest Foundation and Virginia Ministries, the Farm's mission is to educate, elevate and inspire positive change in today's world.
Through its sustainability initiatives, Clover Forest promotes environmental awareness and stewardship in cooperation with —rather than in competition with— Nature.
Educational outreach programs at Clover Forest gently and mindfully inform, nurture and inspire in a safe and welcoming environment.
As an example of humans cooperating with Nature, Clover Forest is a perfect wedding venue for sustainability-minded families interested in Earth care.
Logo LGBQT Plus Safe Place

LGBQT+

Safe

Space

Logo Low Carbon Footprint

Carbon

Neutral

Events

Logo Eco Friendly Wedding Venue

Responsible

Venue

Choice

Logo Virginia Ministries

Virginia Ministries

Education

Elevation

Transformation

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Solutions

Through

Technology

Seal of the American People

Issue and

Results-Based

Governance

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Standing

With

Ukraine

What is Clover Forest?

History

Clover Forest is a Colonial American-era estate on the James River in central Virginia with recorded history dating back to 1761. Its most prominent owner, Captain Thomas Pemberton, acquired the land and the (then) small home as compensation for his military service in the Revolutionary War.

Conservation

The property consists of rolling hills, fertile farmland, lush forests, grassy pastures, private lakes, farm utility buildings, and the main manor home itself authentically restored in 1980 by noted preservationist, restorationist and historical architect Johan A. Volcker van Soelen.

Farming

With an equally wide knowledge of agriculture and horticulture, Mr. Volcker farmed the land organically and with a naturalist's sensibility and wisdom. Great care was taken with tree selection and crop placement, combinations and rotations, as well as soil and water health, indigenous insect and wildlife health, and aesthetics.

Sustainability

Today descendants continue the tradition, combining rewilding with permaculture in pursuit of zero-impact and even carbon-negative living. Current projects include sustainable architecture, circular economics, food autonomy, community outreach, mental and physical wellness, nutrition, and spiritual health.

Clover Forest Foundation

a rewilding & permaculture farm

Preservation Campus

5373 Whittcamp Road

Goochland, Virginia 23063

phone • text • sms (804) 457-2333

EMAIL
 
TEXT
 
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Rewilding & Permaculture

Rewilding

Rewilding is a conservation approach that aims to restore and expand natural ecosystems by allowing nature to thrive and function without human intervention. It involves reintroducing native plant and animal species, removing barriers to natural processes, and promoting ecological balance to create self-sustaining and biodiverse habitats.

Permaculture

Permaculture is a sustainable design system that draws inspiration from natural ecosystems to create regenerative human habitats. It involves integrating various elements, such as plants, animals, and structures, in a harmonious and self-sustaining manner, while emphasizing care for the environment, people, other species, and equitable distribution of resources.

Preservation & Restoration

Photo of a lovely home of the Federal Period

Preservation

Preserving historical homes offers the chance to physically explore early American history—both the positive and negative—and display the unique architecture, materials, craftsmanship and techniques of the Colonial American period for new generations. Preservation honors the existence and contributions of ALL ancestors whose lives touched these homes or lands, and fosters a tangible, undeniable and continuing view of the past from which to learn and grow that can never be erased from a textbook. In repurposing these homes, humans gain knowledge of the past and can choose to embrace a more enlightened lifestyle, one in harmony with all living beings and Nature itself, helping to ensure humanity's future and protect Earth's limited resources.

Restoration

Restoring historical homes demands clear vision, meticulous research, and considerable effort. Thoroughly researching the original design, history, materials, and craftsmanship is crucial for accuracy. Dedicated artisans strive to replicate lost skills, creating as seamless a link as possible to the home's original look and feel. Despite challenges, the reward of restoration is immense—revitalizing actual pieces of an early American heritage to enrich present day communities. Restoring these one-of-a-kind buildings allows a profound sense of connection to Colonial America and to a history and cultural legacy replete with triumph, certainly, but also with tragedy from which new generations must learn and an evolution of awareness must emerge.

Why Clover Forest?

Choosing an environmentally conscious venue represents love in its highest form, reflecting a shared commitment to the Earth and its creatures.

Weddings That Matter

Couples showcase their deep sense of responsibility and compassion, and demonstrate their love extends beyond themselves to care for the planet and its future generations of all species.

Availability

2023

Select 2023 dates remain available!

2024

All available 2024 wedding dates have been spoken for.

reserved

2025

All available 2025 wedding dates have been spoken for.

reserved

2026

2026 wedding dates are available!

Availability

2024

All available 2024 wedding dates have been spoken for.

reserved

2025

All available 2025 wedding dates have been spoken for.

reserved

2026

2026 wedding dates are available!

2027

2027 wedding dates are available!

Why Clover Forest?

Choosing an environmentally conscious venue represents love in its highest form, reflecting a shared commitment to the Earth and its creatures. Choosing an environmentally conscious venue represents love in its highest form, reflecting a shared commitment to the Earth and its creatures. Choosing an environmentally conscious venue represents love in its highest form, reflecting a shared commitment to the Earth and its creatures. Choosing an environmentally conscious venue represents love in its highest form, reflecting a shared commitment to the Earth and its creatures. Choosing an environmentally conscious venue represents love in its highest form, reflecting a shared commitment to the Earth and its creatures.

Supporters

Featured Donors

Anonymous$2,500
Robert and Katie$25 quarterly
Bob Stephens$1,000
Wayne$50
R. J.$10 monthly
D. Brown$100
The Kosaks$25
A & S$500
Nick Wojowski$25
Taylor Bucie$10
K. Miller-Fontaine$75
Amanda and Jo$100 quarterly
Frieda Jameson$2,500
Cisco$25
T. M.$25 monthly
Y. Ramirez$100
The Smith Family$25
RKJ$250
Howard R. Melnick$10
M. Fontana-Cortez$25
Uncle Crunchy$10 monthly

    Clover Forest Foundation

    a rewilding & permaculture farm

    EMAIL
     
    TEXT
     
    CALL
     

    Preservation Campus

    5373 Whittcamp Road

    Goochland, Virginia 23063

    phone • text • sms (804) 457-2333

    Message Us