Ellen Peterson
December 5, 1923 – October 14, 2011

Happehatchee is a Seminole word for Happy River (hatchee—means “river.”) The land that Happehatchee occupies was originally part of the Koreshan settlement—a sect that arrived in Estero in the early 1900’s.

The Koreshan’s believed that the human population lived on the inside of a great sphere. The land was originally occupied with citrus groves situated along the river to take advantage of the possibility of shipping citrus crops through the Florida waterways to different markets.

The Koreshan’s were followed by a series of small farmers, and eventually the five acres were purchased by the Girl Scout Council in the 1940’s. When Page Field was dismantled at the end of WWII the Council purchased two barracks and moved them on to the land to establish the Girl Scout Camp.

The Girl Scouts by commercial eventually sold the property in the 1960’s to move it to a larger location in North Ft Myers. The property was then purchased by a family from Key West who wanted to have a “northern retreat.” That family then sold the property to Ellen Peterson (pictured above) in 1972. It remained a private retreat used often by small groups for celebrations of nature.

In 2005 Ellen began to conceive of Happehatchee as being worthy of preservation for use by groups who were environmentally and spiritually friendly. It became apparent because of the intense development in the vicinity and the imminent danger of being swallowed up by those interests. The decision was made to gather like-minded people together to discuss the future use of the property, and decision was made to form a non-profit corporation designed to further eco-spiritual endeavors.

A Board was established which consists of five officers:
President: Genelle Grant
First Vice President: Ann Smith
Second Vice President: Marjorie Ziff-Levine
Secretary: Ruth Fotovat
Treasurer: Bobbielee Gruninger

It is organized exclusively for charitable, religious, literary, educational, and scientific purposes. Happehatchee’s main focus is to establish and operate an educational and environmental conference center to achieve charitable aims.

Here at Happehatchee we will sponsor or host activities such as meditation and healing groups, instructional groups, workshops and seminars like Gather the Women Groups, Magnificence of Circle Learning groups, research on environmental sustainability and healing methods, leadership training, educational and psychological counseling and training, and activities for children focused on nature.

In addition, Happehatchee Center plans cooperative involvements with organizations such as the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, interfaith alliances and other similar social justice activates.

No portion of the net earnings will go to benefit or be distributed to its Officers, or other private persons. It will be authorized to pay reasonable compensation for services rendered and make payments only to pursue our activities.

Click to find out more information About Happehatchee.