Idealistic Cooperative Pioneers

New Cooperative Initiative Launches at Indian Fort Outpost in Berea: Meet the Pioneers of the Unify Co-Op

Berea, Kentucky – The Indian Fort Outpost, a beloved yet abandoned landmark in Berea, is finding new life thanks to a collaborative effort between Nicholas Wright, Maya-Lis Wright, and Alex Sipple of Madison County. Together they are forming the Unify Cooperative Society ("Unify Co-Op"), an innovative social enterprise initiative that aims to restore and preserve the historic site while promoting beautification, environmental sustainability, ecosystem services, regional tourism, cultural preservation, traditional heritage, and the ideals of community collaboration. The Unify Co-Op is being developed as a nonprofit social enterprise (community foundation) for up to 1,000 equal members and an unlimited number of associate members.
 

Maya-Lis and Nicholas Wright, Co-Founders of Berea's Unify Cooperative Society (Photo by Maya-Lis Wright at Indian Fort Mountain)

Twenty years ago the Indian Fort Outpost was well-known for fancy and rare poultry breeds thanks to their father Col. David Wright who lived there in the late 90s; but did you know it was also known as 'the place' to buy moonshine in Berea throughout much of the 20th century? We only want to see, help, and remain involved in what the property becomes, agreed the brother and sister duo.

A Landmark in Need of Revival

The Indian Fort Outpost, steeped in rural history and significance dates back to the 18th century, it came into the hands of Nicholas Wright and Maya-Lis Wright (brother and sister) through an irrevocable trust in probate from a family member. While both Nicholas and Maya-Lis hold a deep appreciation for the property, they faced significant challenges: recovering the Outpost from nature and time while addressing past tax bill liens, and managing the overwhelming task of restoring such an important but neglected site. Without the necessary resources, the Wrights sought a solution that would not only revive the property but also serve the broader community. By turning over the property to the cooperative they retain their interest in the property at its current value, while the cooperative takes over with the improvements and becomes responsible for the tax liens. 

The Formation of the Unify Cooperative

Enter Alex Sipple and his staff at Get Outside KY ("GOKY"), a business dedicated to outdoor recreation and local adventure. Recognizing the potential of Indian Fort Outpost, Sipple teamed up with Nicholas and Maya-Lis Wright to form the Unify Cooperative Society ("Unify Co-Op"). This now member-owned cooperative is designed to bring the community together around a shared vision project: preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of Indian Fort Outpost while fostering sustainability and economic vitality throughout the region.

Both Maya-Lis and Nicholas Wright although they are occupied with their real jobs, are among the first trustee officers of the cooperative, bringing their unique expertise, and passion to the project as equal members on par.

Meet the Wrights: Benefactors of the Cooperative

The siblings are excited with the prospect of endowing their property to the cooperative infinitely because they will be directly involved as officers in the shared objectives directing their own visions for different elements of the collective development. In essence Maya-Lis and Nicholas have agreed to provide the land for 98% of its current equitable value, less the past taxes, in exchange for 1% shares in the cooperative, the same as Alex's investment. This leaves the three of them to receive donations by investment on 97% of the remaining cooperative shares over its assets among up to 997 other people. 

Maya-Lis Wright is well-known in Berea as a licensed nutritionist, outdoors enthusiast, personal trainer, and healthy lifestyle coach. She runs Wright Way Nutrition, an online consulting platform dedicated to promoting healthy living and nutrition. Her love for the outdoors and dedication to wellness make her a perfect fit for the cooperative’s mission, as she aims to create a space where the community can engage in healthy, sustainable activities. Maya-Lis indicated she is willing to help with public relations, development, and serve as a spokesperson for the cooperative.

Nicholas Wright, raised in Berea, has an impressive academic and professional background. Selected for one of the highest scholarships offered during his time at Berea Community High School, later Nicholas excelled in the field of nanosciences with a National Science Foundation (NSF) scholarship. He currently works as a researcher at the University of Kentucky, focusing on Parkinson’s Disease. His extensive scientific background and connection to Berea make him a valuable community leader in the cooperatives' efforts to restore the outpost in a sustainable, forward-thinking way. Nicholas will serve initially as the Treasurer and interim Vice President of the cooperative.

Nicholas and Maya-Lis Wright, walking their dogs in Richmond near the golf course.

Why the Unify Cooperative Matters

The Unify Cooperative operates under key principles that are closely aligned with Berea’s values:

Sustainability: The cooperative is committed to protecting and restoring the natural landscape of Indian Fort Outpost, promoting environmentally friendly practices and sustainable land management.

Cultural Preservation: The cooperative seeks to honor the historical significance of the property, from its Indigenous heritage to its role in early American history. Plans include the development of a museum and gallery to educate the public and preserve the site’s rich history when it was transferred to Daniel Boone by the Cherokee in 1775.

Community Collaboration: At the heart of the cooperative is a spirit of collaboration. By bringing together local residents, businesses, and organizations like Berea College, the cooperative fosters a sense of shared purpose and community engagement.

Economic Support: The cooperative also aims to support the local economy by working with local vendors, promoting green businesses, and encouraging community investment in the project.

A Call to the Community

As the Unify Cooperative begins its journey, it is reaching out to the Berea community and beyond to become involved. “This cooperative is about more than just restoring a property—it’s about creating a space that brings people together, celebrates our history, and builds a sustainable future,” says Alex Sipple. “We’re inviting new members to join us in this effort, to help shape the direction of the cooperative, become shared interest owners of the property, and to invest in something that will serve Berea for years to come.”

Membership in the cooperative is open to all who believe in its mission, and there are opportunities for the community to play an active role in shaping the future of Indian Fort Outpost.

With Nicholas Wright, Maya-Lis Wright, and Alex Sipple, the Unify Cooperative is poised to become a transformative force in Berea, preserving the past while building a sustainable future, but this is just the beginning. The pioneers behind the cooperative are excited to welcome new members and collaborators who share their vision for the Indian Fort Outpost and the community of Berea as a whole.

Cooperative Membership

Cooperative membership is open to regional residents from Fayette County, Clark County, Madison County, Rockcastle County, Jackson County, Jessamine County, Lancaster County, and Estill County for a donation (investment) of $1,000 to $10K in the 1,000 stakeholder multilevel cooperative. Ideally we are looking for conservation minded, eco-ethical, green idealists concerned with the future of the regions natural areas including the preservation of forests, lakes and natural watersheds.