Short Summary
Hi! My name is Jen Frey and I have dedicated my life to the Plants. I am the founder of Brigid's Way, www.brigidsway.com. As part of my work, I help to connect people with Nature, guiding them to find true healing.
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I searched for years to find Land where I could create a center to teach my classes and create a Sanctuary. We found the perfect place (or perhaps the Land found us) and moved here in May 2017. Since that time, I have been working with the Nature Spirits to create our next steps for this Sanctuary.
Heart Springs Sanctuary has recently become a member of the United Plant Savers' Botanical Sanctuary Network.
This Land is unique because it has several different ecosystems. Heart Springs Sanctuary is a little over 4.5 acres with 3 ponds and a small creek. There is currently a huge field of Milkweed and other wild native species. We plan on simply enjoying this area.
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About 1/3 of the Land is a huge grassy expanse. We are turning this area into gardens and wild areas with walking paths and planting more Trees along the creek.
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The smallest pond is on the edge of this grassy area. We are converting the grass to a Wetlands Sanctuary. The northern section of the Land is partially wooded, we are planting more Trees and Shrubs here and creating a Woodland garden filled with native woodland Plants like Trillium, Dutchman's Breeches, Trout Lily, and more (these will come later). The Western section of the Land is where we are building a Labyrinth and is also the area where we bring people to experience the Nature Spirits.
We have been working with the Nature Spirits to determine how best to serve the Land and Beings. Our first step is to plant approximately 70 Trees and Shrubs. (This is only a small part of the Plants that we will be planting next year.)
We are asking people to sponsor the planting of these. I was inspired by Judy Dench in "My Passion for Trees". I have always honored my Loved ones who died through the planting of a favorite Plant. In this film, Judy did the same and had a plaque with her Loved ones' names by the Tree. She would then refer to the Trees by this name. For those who choose to sponsor a Tree or Shrub, we are offering to plant them in honor of your Loved one. While we are the stewards of this Land, we will greet these Plants during our walks referring to them by the name of your Loved one. Or maybe you want to name one after yourself to be honored on our walks.
What We Need & What You Get
- The total amount we need for this first step is $1270.
- ALL of the money (except for the Indiegogo fee) goes directly to purchasing Plants for Heart Spring Sanctuary. If we surpass the $1270, we will buy more Plants who are on our LONG list.
- You get to impact the Earth through the planting of a Tree or Shrub and if you choose, honor a Loved one (or yourself) by having this Plant named after them.
The Impact
As humans we have taken much from Nature and continue to destroy habitats. Our very lives depend on the health of the environment. Creating a Sanctuary is one small act in trying to give back to the other Beings with whom we share this Earth.
These Plants will provide shelter and food for the wildlife and Nature Spirits who currently live here and invite more to join. The students and public who visit the Sanctuary will have the opportunity to develop a relationship with these Plants and who knows what could come from that. Plus, the Loved ones for whom these Plants are named after will be continually thanked and remembered.
We hope that Heart Springs Sanctuary will be a model to encourage others to create Sanctuaries and demonstrate what can happen when we work co-creatively with Nature.
Risks & Challenges
We have found sources for all of the Plants.
If we do not reach our goal, we will buy and plant as many of the Trees and Shrubs that we can, having the vision of bringing all of these here.
There is a slight risk that the Trees and Shrubs will not survive. However, we have worked with the Nature Spirits and human experts to find the best Plants for the different locations. The Plants will receive plenty of Love and attention as they grow.
We do have deer here, though so far they stay back by the large ponds, where there is plenty of food and shelter for them.
Other Ways You Can Help:
- Share our campaign!
- Help us plant the Trees and Shrubs
- If you have Plants to share, please let us know (we do have a long list of other Plants for the Land)
- Create your own Sanctuary!
Thank you!