About

Aerial View of the Urban Homestead, Pasadena CA {Courtesy GlobeXplorer}

Let’s face it. Our world is in deep, deep trouble and we are the “troublemakers.” We have to make real, difficult changes yesterday.

Despite the obvious benefits, we are not going to recycle, compost, or talk our way out of this.

Our leaders, being politicians, are not leaders at all but are bound to be followers, who just won’t be there for us in a crisis. So, it’s up to me and you to make the choice of becoming responsible stewards of the earth.

Let’s turn the world right side up as demonstrated through this website. Join us on our journey towards a sustainable present and future. Let’s walk the path to freedom! – Jules Dervaes 2005

Since the mid 80’s the Jules Dervaes & family has slowly transformed their home into an urban homestead model . Our family has documented our journey publicly online since 2001 and the site has been a pioneering force behind the modern urban homesteading movement. We learned by doing and are inspiring urbanites to rethink & revolutionize the urban landscape in back and front yards across the world – by being the change they wish to see by living the solution.

You will not find movie stars on this set, but we do have our own cast of characters and enough daily dramas here on our urban homestead to be more than interesting. And it’s a REAL reality show, not Hollywood manufactured. Located just a mile from the heart of downtown Pasadena, the Rose Bowl (visible in upper left photo), and two major freeways, our little 1/5 acre plot (66′x132′ft) but only 1/10 under cultivation) has produced over 3 tons (6,000 lbs) of produce. Looking at our tiny area from the air, it’s hard to imagine that such a small space could produce so much – small is beautiful and productive.

The urban homestead is on a completely opposite spectrum to the hustle and insanity that surrounds us. Thousands of cars and people zoom by on the freeway. A few blocks away, people stroll Old Towne in their latest designer threads, buying things they probably don’t need. We’re a whole different world; our triumphs and struggles are so far different from what the majority of Angelinos experience. It may surprise you but we live under a constant dictatorship! Gardening is not a democracy. We are ruled by nature and there isn’t much we can do about that. This “tough love” dictatorship teaches us the valued lessons of patience and perseverance. One hard lesson learned is that we aren’t in control and can’t vote to change the outcome.

Now, back to the picture. Zooming out farther from this isolated view, one sees America. Zooming even farther shows the entire world. We know that in that great big blue marble earth, there are fellow travelers and homesteaders, each scattered about on their isolated oasis, yet all connected in a common effort and spirit.

Throughout the extensive site and many years worth of journal entries we hope that this homegrown revolution will spread to backyards, side yards, front yards and balconies everywhere.

Each day thru our lifestyle choice, we strive to be the change we wish to see by living the solution. Each step on the path, however small has deep and lasting impact.

To follow the steps we have taken on our sustainable journey visit: THE URBAN HOMESTEAD AT A GLANCE

See you along the path,

The Urban Homesteaders
pioneering a journey towards self sufficiency, one step at time…