Charles Kennedy believes very deeply in the healing powers of plants, clean air, pure water, and good exercise. Charles spent the first 14 years of his life in northern Alabama on the Tennessee River at the southernmost foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. When he was 5 years old, Charles was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. His father’s elder sister, Maggie—fondly referred to as the “witch” in the family—moved to Alabama to nurse him. Maggie, who lived in India, Africa, and China between 1906 and 1930, adopted many of the traditions of their native cultures. Combined with her Cherokee heritage, Maggie instilled in Charles a deep love and appreciation for the forest and all of its inhabitants.

Frank and Mary Jane Kennedy, Charles’ parents, were also great lovers of the forest. Along with his sisters, Mellissa and Pat, the family spent their winters making tents and other camping accessories. They camped every weekend and any other available day from Spring through Fall. The family even kept a tent set up in the Bankhead Forest in Alabama.

Charles developed a strong fascination for and affinity with nature—especially for the plant world. He cultivated his first garden at age three after receiving a toy garden set for his birthday. One summer he had beans growing into his second-story bedroom window!

After looking for years for the right pristine, native environment to grow native herb gardens and build a nature awareness retreat center, Charles discovered Raven Ridge. He moved to Southwest Virginia in July of 1999.

Charles passed away on November 18th, 2006. He is missed and celebrated by everyone who knew him.

Alona Elcamel Kennedy was born and raised in the jungles of the Philippines, where she and her family grew organic fruits, vegetables and root crops. In college, she studied aquaculture. Today, Alona is a culinary chef specializing in Mediterranean and other international cuisines. She prepares succulent meals using mushrooms, herbs, and wild berries organically grown on Raven Ridge.