IONS
IONS

FAQ

Kay Thompson

Operations and Events Manager
707-779-8275 or
Send Kay Thompson an email

Frequently Asked Questions

Click here to download a PDF version of these questions and answers.

What type of lodging is available?

We have single and double occupancy rooms, with one or two beds per room in eight different buildings located closely together. Bathrooms are shared among two to four rooms. Some dormitory rooms are air-conditioned.

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What if I have special needs?

If you have any mobility needs, please email the EarthRise Operations and Events Manager so that we can plan ahead for your stay. Most of our dormitories and all of our meeting rooms are ADA accessible. Some dormitories have wheelchair accessible showers. 

If you have special dietary needs that you think will not be accommodated by our general food policy (see the food and dining section), please communicate your needs to your group coordinator who will then provide the information to the retreat center. We are able to work with most types of food allergies (wheat free, gluten free, dairy free, nuts, etc.). In extreme cases you may need to bring your own food. If this is the case, we can provide refrigerator space for your food. We also have a full kitchen in Chalet #2 where you can prepare your meals.

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When can I check into my sleeping room?

Check-in time is 4:00 p.m.

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What time do I need to check out of my sleeping room?

We ask that guests remove things from their beds before they go to breakfast. It would be very helpful to us if you would put sheets and towels inside the used pillowcase and set them in the hallway before you go to breakfast on your last day (do not include comforters and blankets). We ask that you then have everything out of your room before you go to lunch.

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Where can I find directions to the retreat center?

Maps and driving directions to our campus can be found here on our website.

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How do I get from the airport to the retreat center?

Information about ground transportation from the airports to EarthRise at IONS can be found here on our website.

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Is a lot of walking involved?

The campus lies on 200 acres of beautiful hilly terrain. There is a road and hiking trail between the dormitories and the community building where meals are served. The road is lit at night for safe passage. It is about a five-minute walk to and from the dormitories to the community building. You can download a map of the campus here. Maps are also available on campus in the community building.

Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

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What do I need to bring?

We recommend that you bring:

  • comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes for walking on uneven terrain
  • layered clothing will serve you well in our variable climate
  • rain gear is recommended November through April
  • sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle (we have filtered water dispensers throughout the campus)
  • toiletries and medications
  • map/driving directions to IONS

Optional items to bring include:

  • hair dryer
  • alarm clock
  • musical instruments
  • journal
  • a calling card for the pay phone (see below for further phone information)

NOTE: The campus is somewhat remote and there are no stores on or near campus other than the campus store.

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What does the retreat center provide?

We provide all bedding, linens, and towels. We also provide non-scented, eco-friendly soap in each of the bathrooms.

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Is there anything else I should leave at home?

  • Leave valuables at home.
  • Due to many guests’ allergies and sensitivities to scents, please leave your perfumes and scented body oils at home.
  • Incense
  • Pet(s): Certified companion animals and guide dogs are permitted with advance review and clearance. No other pets are allowed.

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Do you have a computer from which I can print a boarding pass?

A small business office is located in Chalet #2. In the business office is a desktop computer, with free internet access and a printer.

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Do you have Wi-Fi?

Free Wi-Fi is available in the dormitories and in the community building/dining room.

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Do you have cell phone reception?

Most people receive cell phone service on the retreat center campus.

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If I don’t have a cell phone, is there a telephone I may use?

There is a telephone in each of the dormitories for making local phone calls. These are restricted lines for local calls, toll calls and emergency calls only. You can also reach the EarthRise office and the IONS main phone numbers using these phones. They are not set up for long distance. If you wish to make a long distance call, you will need to use your phone/credit card or call collect at the pay phone in the community building. The office phone is for emergencies only. If you must receive calls at the office, we will take a message and deliver it to your group leader.

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Do you have a FAX machine?

Yes - our fax machine is located in our reception office. Our fax number is (707) 781- 7420 and we charge a nominal fee for its use.

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Where do I park when I arrive on campus?

Please ask your group coordinator what lot your group has been assigned. If your group has been assigned to park in the lower parking lot, a shuttle will be available to transport you to the top of the hill during a set time frame and back down at the conclusion of the event. The shuttle will be arranged through your group coordinator. Please do not leave valuables in your car. EarthRise at IONS is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

There are handicapped parking spaces in the dormitory area and next to the community building.

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What type of meals do you serve?

Using a bounty of sumptuous 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. Breakfasts and lunches are vegetarian and dinners include either a vegetarian option or a fish or fowl meat option.

If you have special dietary needs, please communicate your needs to your group coordinator. We are able to work with most types of food allergies (wheat free, gluten free, dairy free, nuts, etc.). In extreme cases you may need to bring your own food.

Our meals are served “buffet style”. We are not a restaurant and therefore we do not take individual orders.

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Do you have a communal kitchen?

There is a small, full kitchen located in Chalet #2. It is equipped with a full-size refrigerator, microwave oven, stove, oven, sink, toaster, coffee pot, tea kettle, pots and pans, cooking utensils, silverware, glasses, cups, and dinnerware.

If you bring your own food, you are responsible for marking 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 at IONS is not responsible for missing food, beverages, or medication.

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Is there a place where I can get a cup of coffee or tea?

Complimentary coffee and tea are available in the community building from 7:00 am –7:00 pm daily. Coffee and tea supplies are also available in the communal kitchen in Chalet #2 and can be made by guests at any time.

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To whom do I report a lost item?

EarthRise at IONS is not responsible for lost items. Please be responsible for taking all your belongings with you when you leave. If contacted we will attempt to locate your missing item(s) and return it to you. All lost & found articles will be held for 30 days, after which, will they be distributed in a charitable manner. Contact Kay Thompson at kthompson@noetic.org to report a missing item.

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