A Sanctuary for Transformation
A Blueprint for the Future
OUR MISSION
ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living (CCRL) is a bioregional hub dedicated to demonstrating regenerative practices that protect biodiversity, foster resilience, and empower communities to thrive in balance with nature. as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we convene a global network of changemakers, community stewards, artists, and educators to co-create a more just and regenerative future for all.
Regenerate land and biodiversity by restoring wetlands, expanding conservation efforts, and implementing regenerative agriculture that improves natural systems.
Elevate human well-being by offering transformative wellness experiences and educational scholarships that empower individuals to become catalysts for positive change.
Revitalize local economies by supporting small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs through community-driven events, partnerships, and business incubator programs.
REACH OUT TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER, VENDOR, PARTNER OR SPONSOR
We are standing at a pivotal crossroads—where the breakdown of our systems also reveals the breakthrough that’s possible.
From climate disruption to social fragmentation, from extractive economies to spiritual disconnection, we are witnessing the limits of an old paradigm. Our cities are expanding, yet our sense of connection is shrinking. We produce more, but nourish less. We innovate, but often without integrity or regeneration.
Florida is one of the most vulnerable—and therefore one of the most vital—places to reimagine the way we live with the Earth. Here, amidst rising waters and vanishing wetlands, we are called not to retreat, but to redesign.
It’s time to move from fear to vision. From collapse to creativity. From extraction to regeneration.
our vision
“The future belongs to those who regenerate. This is our moonshot for the Earth.”
— Tony Cho, Co-Founder
“Our greatest opportunity is to honor and live in balance with Mother Earth.”
— Ximena Cho, Co Founder
Letter from the Founders
Dear Friends, Partners, and Changemakers,
As we reflect on the journey of ChoZen Retreat evolving into the ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living (CCRL), we are filled with deep gratitude—for the land that nurtures us, the community that surrounds us, and the vision that continues to guide us forward.
What began as a sacred refuge for healing and personal transformation has grown into a powerful movement for regeneration, resilience, and restoration. We’ve always believed that true change starts with reconnection—to the Earth, to community, and to purpose. CCRL was born from our shared dream of creating not just a retreat, but a living blueprint for a more harmonious, inspired world.
This past year, we’ve seen what’s possible when we step into that vision together.
We’ve witnessed seniors rekindle their relationship with the land through hands-on farming. We've watched food waste become soil, artisan markets come alive with culture and creativity, and new relationships form around shared meals and learning. We established Indian River County’s first Wildlife Rescue Chapter, and we were honored to co-produce Path of the Panther—a film that amplifies the urgent need to protect what is wild and sacred in Florida.
What we do
RESTORE NATURE
Reviving wetlands, biodiversity conservation, healthy soil and rescuing wildlife
EMPOWER ECONOMIES
Supporting local makers, artists and small local businesses
EDUCATE FOR IMPACT
Engagement and hands-on learning
INSPIRE ACTION
Storytelling and immersive experiences aimed at inspiring action
HEAL PEOPLE
Offering wellness programs and sacred spaces in nature
GROW FOOD & SOVEREIGNTY
Regenerative farming, complementary meals and education
Are you passionate about regeneration and ready to make an impact?
Whether you’re interested in sponsorship, would like to make a donation, collaborate on a program, volunteer your time, host an event, or learn more about our regenerative initiatives, we’d love to connect. Fill out the form below and a member of the ChoZen CCRL team will be in touch with you soon.
Let us know how you’d like to get involved.
What Is Regeneration
and Why It Matters
Regeneration goes beyond sustainability—it’s about restoring life at every level.
In nature, regeneration allows ecosystems to recover and thrive.
In society, it means nurturing systems that support human wellbeing, equity, and harmony with the Earth.
These are more
than milestones.
THEY ARE SIGNS OF WHAT REGENERATION LOOKS LIKE WHEN IT’S ALIVE IN COMMUNITY.
As we look ahead, our vision is bold:
Protect 1,000,000 acres of the Florida Wildlife Corridor
Launch a real-time impact dashboard to track metrics across programs
Triple compost production and train 250+ in regenerative practices
Mentor 3 regenerative sites across the Americas
Reach 1,500+ seniors with food and wellness programming
Partner with CatalystNow and FWC to support corridor-appropriate development
Restore 3-acre wildlife rehabilitation zone & Global Partnerships
Implement SNAP benefits for food access
The state is home to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in North America, yet it also faces alarming health challenges:
1 in 3 Floridians is obese
Over 1.4 million live with diabetes
Rates of heart disease, mental health disorders, and chronic inflammation continue to rise
Meanwhile, nature is under threat:
Harmful algal blooms, seagrass die-offs, and urban expansion continue to degrade the landscape
Habitat loss and lack of access to clean air, healthy food, and community connection leave many Floridians in crisis
But in every challenge lies an opportunity. CCRL was established to be that opportunity realized—a hub for solutions that restore ecosystems, regenerate land, and reconnect us to what matters most.
✔ Living Regeneration in Action: Located on 40 acres of ecologically significant land adjacent to the St. Sebastian River and a 22,000-acre nature preserve, CCRL integrates land conservation, economic innovation, and human transformation into a cohesive, regenerative model.
✔ Restoring and Improving Natural Systems: Our regenerative land management programs actively improve biodiversity, soil health, and water systems through wetland restoration, agroforestry, and sustainable watershed management.
✔ Catalyzing Economic Growth Through Regeneration: We stimulate local economies by creating platforms for small businesses, artisans, and wellness entrepreneurs to flourish through events, marketplaces, and education.
✔ Regenerative Wellness & Education: CCRL creates transformative experiences through immersive retreats, wellness programs, and scholarships that help individuals reconnect with themselves and their environment.
By combining environmental restoration, community empowerment, and economic revitalization, CCRL actively builds systems that are not just sustainable, but exponentially better—for the land, for businesses, and for people
Wildlife Rescue & Conservation: Indian River County is one of Florida’s most ecologically sensitive areas, home to over 2,200 animal species and 2,100 plant species, including 35 endangered or threatened species. In 2021 alone, 1,100 manatees died due to seagrass loss, and thousands of sea turtles rely on the region for nesting.
Our Response:
Established the first Volunteer Wildlife Rescue Chapter in the county
Provided meals and support to IRC and Brevard County rescue teams
Enabled rapid response and recovery for distressed wildlife
2023 - 2024 Impact Report
Rooted in Community. Powered by Nature. Built for Change.
ChoZen Center for Regenerative Living (CCRL) is a nonprofit organization founded to address urgent social, environmental, and health challenges facing Florida and beyond. It emerged from ChoZen Retreat, which over the past two years, has evolved into a regional hub for regenerative agriculture, conservation, wellness, and environmental education—rooted in one of Florida’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
From hosting thousands of guests and volunteers to launching federal grant initiatives and co-producing a national conservation documentary, CCRL has made measurable strides in reconnecting people to nature, restoring ecosystems, and improving community well-being.
Key Highlights from 2023–2024:
7,000+ individuals educated on regenerative living and ecosystem awareness
1,261 lbs of produce grown and 2,000 lbs of food waste composted
339 seniors engaged through urban agriculture via a USDA grant
$50,000+ in revenue generated for small businesses through seasonal artisan markets
First Volunteer Wildlife Rescue Chapter established in Indian River County
Co-produced and donated $100K to Path of the Panther documentary
This report outlines the foundation we’ve built—and invites you to be part of what comes next.
USDA GRANT: SENIOR AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
Hosted weekly farm-to-table lunches, soil trainings, and sustainability workshops
Delivered 3 public lectures on regenerative agriculture, health, and composting
Conducted 5 internal trainings for staff
Served 225 meals to low-income seniors and volunteers
Co-produced Path of the Panther and donated $100,000 to support the film’s reach and conservation message
Reached 100,000+ individuals via social media and newsletters
USDA GRANT: SENIOR AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
USDA UAIP Grant awarded (2023–2025)
Project: Fleet Farming Expansion of Senior-Focused Agriculture Education
Goal: Educate 900 seniors and grow 1,000 lbs of produce
Progress to date:
339 seniors educated
1,261 lbs of produce grown
Partners: IDEAS For Us, The Village of Kashi, By The River Senior Center
ECO-EDUCATION & NATURE IMMERSION
52 Saturday Eco Tours offered to the public
Over 7,000 individuals exposed to regenerative and ecological practices
~3,000 overnight retreat guests
~1,200 retreat program participants
~3,000 Artisan Market attendees
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT | REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE & COMPOSTING
52 Farm Fridays hosted with 200+ volunteers
1,261 lbs of produce and 305 lbs of fruit harvested
2,000 lbs of food waste composted into 1,000 lbs of rich soil
12 native trees planted on site
ECONOMIC IMPACT | LOCAL BUSINESS GROWTH
6 seasonal Artisan Markets held
25+ small businesses featured per event
$50,000+ in vendor revenue generated
Supported over 100 local makers, farmers, and wellness entrepreneurs
Strengthened the local circular economy through accessible event platforms
GRANT FUNDING & EXPANSION
USDA UAIP Grant supported expansion of food access & senior wellness
Strengthened collaboration between public, nonprofit, and grassroots networks
Built scalable models for regenerative community economies
PARTNERSHIPS & RECOGNITION
Co-produced and funded Path of the Panther, sparking widespread dialogue around wildlife corridors
Featured in national conversations on sustainable development and regenerative land use
Collaborated with:
Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation
The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation champions the protection of connected, conserved lands throughout Florida to ensure the survival of native wildlife and the health of natural ecosystems. Their work supports policy, storytelling, and partnerships that advance large-scale land conservation.
IDEAS For Us
IDEAS For Us is an environmental nonprofit and UN-accredited NGO focused on advancing sustainability through local action. They develop programs that tackle global challenges such as energy, food, water, waste, and ecology through education, workforce training, and community engagement.
Fleet Farming
Fleet Farming is a highly acclaimed urban agriculture program that transforms lawns and underutilized spaces into productive micro-farms. Operating under IDEAS For Us, it promotes food justice, environmental education, and community access to fresh produce.
Wildpath
Wildpath uses powerful storytelling and immersive media to inspire conservation and reconnect people to wild Florida. Through partnerships and productions like Path of the Panther, they elevate awareness of environmental issues and advocate for the protection of natural corridors.
The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is one of the world’s leading environmental organizations, working in Florida and beyond to conserve lands and waters for future generations. Their science-based, collaborative approach supports biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA)
The IRNA works to protect the Indian River Lagoon and surrounding natural resources through education, advocacy, and community engagement. Their focus on responsible growth and environmental stewardship aligns with local conservation and sustainability efforts.
By The River Senior Center
By The River is a nonprofit senior living community focused on providing a healthy, affordable, and environmentally conscious lifestyle for aging adults. They are a key partner in CCRL’s senior-focused agriculture and wellness programs.
The Village of Kashi
The Village of Kashi is a spiritual and intentional community located along the St. Sebastian River, rooted in ecological stewardship and mindful living. They support sustainable agriculture, interfaith dialogue, and healing through connection to the land.